From the Guidelines
Your troponin I high sensitivity level of <3 ng/L is normal and indicates no evidence of heart muscle damage at this time. This result falls well below the normal range threshold of <18 ng/L, suggesting your heart muscle is healthy and functioning properly 1. The high sensitivity test can detect very small amounts of troponin, allowing for earlier detection of heart problems. According to the 2019 recommendations for institutions transitioning to high-sensitivity troponin testing, a troponin value below 6 ng/L at 0 and 2 hours can be used to rule out myocardial infarction (MI) with a high negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.9%–100% 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Troponin is a protein released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells are damaged, such as during a heart attack 1.
- The high sensitivity test can detect very small amounts of troponin, allowing for earlier detection of heart problems 1.
- A troponin value above the 99th percentile of the upper reference level is required for the diagnosis of acute myocardial necrosis, along with evidence for a serial increase or decrease ≥20% if the initial value is elevated 1.
- Clinical laboratory reports should indicate whether significant changes in cardiac troponin values for the particular assay have occurred 1.
No specific action is needed based on this result alone. However, if you're experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms, you should still consult with your healthcare provider regardless of this normal troponin result, as other cardiac conditions may be present that don't cause troponin elevation 1.
From the Research
Troponin I, High Sensitivity
Normal Range and Value
- Normal range: below 18 ng/L
- Value: <3
Studies on Troponin I
- A study published in 2021 2 found that high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays may allow rapid rule out of myocardial infarction and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
- The study evaluated the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays for the management of adults presenting with acute chest pain.
- Another study published in 2017 3 found that type 2 myocardial infarction and myocardial injury have worse short-term outcomes, with mortality rates >20% at 2 years.
- The study also found that high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnI) assay does not lead to more myocardial injury or infarction.
- A systematic review published in 2017 4 found that β blockers, statins, and aspirin may play a role in reducing mortality in non-cardiac critically ill patients, with benefit related to severity of illness, for which cardiac troponin may be a marker.
- A study published in 2021 5 found that patients with decreasing cardiac troponin I had twice the 28-day mortality compared to those with increasing cardiac troponin I.
- A review published in 2023 6 discussed the use of troponin I as a biomarker for early detection of acute myocardial infarction, highlighting the importance of electrochemical biosensors for diagnostic measurements.
Key Findings
- High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays can help rule out myocardial infarction and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions 2.
- Type 2 myocardial infarction and myocardial injury have poor short-term outcomes, with high mortality rates 3.
- β blockers, statins, and aspirin may reduce mortality in non-cardiac critically ill patients, with benefit related to severity of illness 4.
- Decreasing cardiac troponin I is associated with higher 28-day mortality compared to increasing cardiac troponin I 5.
- Troponin I is a valuable biomarker for early detection of acute myocardial infarction, with electrochemical biosensors showing promise for diagnostic measurements 6.