The value of cardiac specific troponin in predicting cardiac outcomes in an asymptomatic chronic kidney disease population

Chronic kidney disease is associated with a high risk for heart attack, even after accounting for traditional cardiac risk factors such as smoking and high cholesterol. The risk increases as kidney function deteriorates. Elevated levels of a cardiac enzyme called cardiac specific troponin (cTn) have been shown to predict heart attack or death in people with acute coronary conditions. Some studies also suggest that elevated cTn can predict cardiac outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease who do not present cardiac risk factors. Nadia Khan is researching whether elevated levels of cTn can be used to accurately predict heart attack and death in patients with different levels of chronic kidney disease. The results could help clinicians identify patients with chronic kidney disease who are at high risk of heart disease, and also provide the foundation for developing therapies that prevent cardiac disability and death in this patient population.