Overview and application of validated algorithms using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays for early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction

Chest pain is one of the leading reasons for emergency department visits and the chief symptom of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The measurement of myocardial injury biochemical markers' blood level is essential for the diagnosis of AMI. Cardiac troponin is the current international gold standard marker. The contemporary expansion in the usage of high-sensitivity assays that can detect cardiac troponin at very low levels presents a challenge for accurate interpretation of results. European Society of Cardiology guidelines prioritize the employment of validated rule out/rule in algorithms to rule out AMI safely and rapidly and/or to early identification of patients with high risk for AMI and initiation of their therapy. This article presents comprehensible information about use of high-sensitivity cardiac troponins in clinical practice. It also provides algorithms preferred by European Society of Cardiology and useful information to interpret results in specific groups of patients.