Cardiac Troponin

Cardiac troponin is a protein found in heart muscle cells that helps regulate muscle contraction. When the heart is damaged, such as during a heart attack, these cells release troponin into the bloodstream. Measuring troponin levels through a blood test helps doctors detect and diagnose heart injuries, especially if symptoms like chest pain are present. Elevated troponin levels indicate some degree of heart muscle damage, guiding treatment decisions and prognosis. Because troponin is specific to heart muscle, it is a reliable marker for heart attacks and cardiac injury.