Troponin I: A Modern Approach to Detecting Hidden Myocardial Infarction Risk

Myocardial infarction is one of the most dangerous and insidious cardiovascular diseases (CVD). What is particularly concerning is that in a significant number of patients, the condition develops in the absence of pronounced symptoms or clear risk factors. How can we identify those at risk despite an outward appearance of good health? Modern laboratory diagnostics offers an innovative solution: the measurement of high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) in blood serum.

What is I?

Troponin I - is a specific protein released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged. For a long time, it was used exclusively to diagnose acute conditions such as myocardial infarction. However, modern technologies now make it possible to detect even minimal concentrations of troponin I in the blood, opening fundamentally new opportunities — assessing cardiovascular risk in individuals who appear to be perfectly healthy.

Why is it Important?

According to large-scale epidemiological studies, more than 75% of acute coronary events - including myocardial infarctions - occur in patients whose risk levels are classified as low or moderate according to conventional assessment tools such as the SCORE scale. These are the so-called "asymptomatic" patients, whose standard screenings do not raise concern - yet they are often the ones most at risk.

An Innovative Approach to CVD Prevention

The high-sensitivity troponin I test makes it possible to:

• Detect hidden risks of myocardial infarction
• Stratify patients by cardiovascular risk level
• Monitor the effectiveness of preventive measures
• Determine the need for medical supervision or lifestyle adjustments

This test is especially relevant for:

• Men and women aged 30 and above
• Patients with metabolic syndrome, obesity, or a family history of cardiovascular disease
• Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, diabetes, or glucose intolerance
• Anyone who wants to take proactive steps to protect their heart health

What does the test reveal?

Elevated levels of troponin I - even within the reference values - may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular events in the coming years. This allows physicians to take preventive action in advance, ranging from lifestyle modifications to the prescription of appropriate medications.

Screening with hsTnI has been recognized as economically efficient: identifying at-risk individuals at an early stage helps avoid substantial expenses associated with complications, disability, and hospitalizations.

Troponin I testing is more than just a lab analysis — it is a step toward personalized and predictive medicine, where the focus shifts from treating illness to preventing it. Regular monitoring of this marker helps preserve health, extend active living, and reduce the risk of severe consequences from myocardial infarction