A troponin test measures the levels troponin T or troponin I proteins in the blood. These proteins are released when the heart muscle has been damaged, such as occurs with a heart attack. The more damage there is to the heart, the greater the amount of troponin T and I there will be in the blood.
The most common reason to perform this test is to see if a heart attack has occurred. Doctor will order this test if you have chest pain and other signs of a heart attack.
A normal value range may vary slightly among different laboratories. Even a slight increase in the troponin level will often mean there has been some damage to the heart. Very high levels of troponin are a sign that a heart attack has occurred.
