Cardiac troponins: State of the (He)Art; towards optimization of interpretation

Noreen van der Linden

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisExternal prepared

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Abstract

In a large number of patients who may have suffered a myocardial infarction, infarction can only be demonstrated or excluded by means of a lab test. This test detects the presence of cardiac troponins, which are cardiac-specific proteins in the blood. However, the results of this highly sensitive lab test may indicate the presence of cardiac troponins in the blood of patients who have not suffered a myocardial infarction. This is problematic for several reasons. Firstly, a myocardial infarction cannot always be excluded due to this finding. Secondly, doctors may find it difficult to determine the cause of troponin elevation and the consequences for the patient and the treatment of the patient.
This dissertation shows that a myocardial infarction can be excluded quickly and in more patients by combining two different lab tests. It is also shown that elevated levels of cardiac troponins in the absence of a myocardial infarction are likely to result from the heart. These elevated levels are predictive of early death.
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • van Dieijen - Visser, M.P., Supervisor
  • van Loon, Lucas, Supervisor
  • Meex, Steven, Co-Supervisor
Award date19 Jan 2018
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789462957848
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • cardiovascular disease
  • myocardial infarction
  • cardiac troponins

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