troponin
Pronunciation: TROH-poh-nin
Cardiac biomarker protein released into blood when heart muscle is damaged, used to diagnose heart attacks.
Full Definition
Troponin is a protein complex found in cardiac muscle that regulates muscle contraction. When heart muscle cells are damaged, troponin is released into the bloodstream, making it a highly sensitive and specific biomarker for myocardial injury. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) are the main forms measured clinically. Elevated troponin levels are essential for diagnosing myocardial infarction and can remain elevated for several days after injury, helping with both acute diagnosis and timing of cardiac events.
Usage
Usage note: Specify troponin I or T when relevant; distinguish from other cardiac biomarkers like CK-MB.
In Context
- "Serial troponin measurements showed a rising pattern consistent with acute myocardial infarction." — Emergency medicine evaluation
- "High-sensitivity troponin assays allow earlier detection of myocardial injury." — Laboratory medicine report