Blood Test Reveals High Protein Levels Linked to Increased Risk of Death
High levels of the protein troponin, typically used to diagnose heart attacks, may indicate an increased risk of death from any cause within a few years, even without obvious cardiovascular disease. A study tracking the survival of 20,000 hospital patients found that those with elevated troponin levels were nearly four times more likely to die compared to those with normal levels. The association between high troponin levels and increased risk of death persisted even after excluding deaths within 30 days, suggesting it is not solely driven by short-term risks. The researchers suggest that troponin could serve as a broader marker for medium-term survival and further research is needed to confirm these findings and evaluate potential interventions.
