What is suggested by a pattern of increasing troponin concentration over time in a suspected cardiac event?

A pattern of increasing troponin concentration over time in a suspected cardiac event is indicative of myocardial injury. Troponin is a protein released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged, making it a critical biomarker for diagnosing conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack).

When troponin levels rise and continue to increase, it suggests that ongoing injury to the heart muscle is occurring, reflecting the extent of damage. This pattern contrasts with stable angina, where troponin levels typically remain normal, and does not correspond to a normal response, which would not show any elevation in troponin at all. Additionally, a false positive would not demonstrate a consistent upward trend in troponin levels over time. Thus, an increasing troponin concentration is a clear indication of myocardial injury, confirming that the suspected cardiac event is serious and warrants further evaluation and management.