Skip to content
FreeDoctor.org

Troponin Test Test

A troponin test measures the level of troponin, a protein found in heart muscle cells, in your blood. High levels usually mean your heart muscle has been damaged, most often from a heart attack.

What this test measures

A troponin test measures the level of troponin in a sample of your blood. Troponin is a protein found in the cells of your heart muscle. Normally, troponin levels in blood are very low, but if heart muscle is damaged, troponin leaks into the bloodstream and levels rise.

What your results mean

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.

Higher-than-normal results

Higher than normal troponin levels usually mean you have some damage in your heart muscle. Very high levels most often mean you've had a heart attack. Other causes include unstable angina, arrhythmia, heart failure, heart valve disease, myocarditis, heart surgery, intense exercise, chest injuries, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, or severe COVID-19 infection.

Frequently asked questions

What is a troponin test?

A troponin test measures the level of troponin, a protein found in heart muscle cells, in your blood.

Why is a troponin test done?

It is mainly used to confirm if a person is having or recently had a heart attack, and to diagnose and monitor unstable angina.

How soon after a heart attack do troponin levels rise?

Increased troponin levels usually don't show up for about 2 to 3 hours after a heart attack begins.

What does a normal troponin test result mean?

If your troponin levels are normal 12 hours after symptoms began, you probably did not have a heart attack.

Can high troponin levels be caused by something other than a heart attack?

Yes, other causes include unstable angina, arrhythmia, heart failure, heart valve disease, myocarditis, heart surgery, intense exercise, chest injuries, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, or severe COVID-19 infection.

Related lab tests

Sources

Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.