Troponin is one of the biomarkers that warn of myocardial damage, which can be a symptom of an acute coronary syndrome or ACS. But not only. Scientists have determined the relationship between problems associated with being overweight and positive levels of troponin.
So, when can the increase in this protein that is released into the blood when there is damage to the heart be considered a risk? We have consulted sports medicine experts and cardiologists and this is what they have explained to us.
What are the normal values?
It is considered that there is no risk of myocardial failure when the levels of this biomarker are less than 10 µg / L, in type I, and 0–0.1 µg / L in blood of troponin T. If these values are maintained more Beyond 12 hours after the pain in the thoracic area begins, the probability of it being a heart attack is minimal – zero probability does not exist.
When are the results abnormal?
Any result above these limits implies that the heart has suffered some damage, even if it is not an ACS . If these levels remain high after 6 hours, the risk of attack is very high.
If the episode does take place, it is very likely that the protein level will remain in the risk zone for at least two weeks, at which point, with proper treatment, it will begin to drop.
How to interpret troponin increase?
Cardiac troponin levels are often kept so low that they are not detected by standard blood tests . If the troponin increases and the tests show positive results, it implies that the two types of troponin begin to increase , or what is the same, there is a risk of myocardial problem.
Among the first symptoms to appear are pain in the chest cavity. If you notice these discomfort while playing sports or after training, and others associated with heart attacks, see your doctor for a specific evaluation of protein levels in the blood.
Does having high troponin mean that you are going to have a heart attack?
Since troponin is known to play a predominant role in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction, the challenge for researchers is to know when having high troponin carries a risk of heart failure.
Various studies have confirmed that it can also be an indicator of heart failure. , both in athletes and in any citizen.
In this second scenario, the biomarker registers high levels, but without having these consequences in diabetics or with atherosclerosis. In these cases, specialists point to follow-up as the best treatment. They insist that heart problems are not ruled out if levels are reached above the average for the type of patient.
However, as long as there are rapid increases and consequently a high troponin level is maintained, the probability of a heart attack is very high.
Troponin and sport: how it affects your health if you are a runner
Physical exercise has been proven to be a decisive factor in minimizing the risk of cardiovascular disease in between 33% and 50% of cases. Troponin may show higher than normal levels in healthy people, such as elite athletes; and more specifically in athletes and runners.
This creates a paradox, since various studies have proven that the nature of the runner, his medical history and his training, in high intensity exercise can cause increases in this ACS biomarker.
