Rapid detection of minimal, acute myocardial necrosis with a sensitive assay for the quantification of cardiac troponin I

Different biochemical markers are used for detection of ischemic damage to the
heart. A new, sensitive assay for troponin I is available that reliably detects
minimal elevation of troponin. This assay may be able to confirm or rule out
ischemic damage to the heart early after onset of symptoms.
BNP concentration is elevated in plasma from patients with a decreased
myocardial function.

To establish the value of a new, sensitive tropnion I assay in the rapid
diagnosis of minimal myocardial damage.
To establish whether BNP concentration in the blood of patients with acute,
minor myocardial damage has prognostic significance.

Restrospective, observational study.
Serial troponin measurements are done in time after a patient is admitted to
the hospital with chest pain symptoms. The diagnostic utility of troponin
(sensitivity, specificity, predicitive values) for diagnosis of myocardial
damage is assessed.
BNP concentration is measuired upon admission and patient charactersitics one
year after the initial event are correlated with BNP concentrations.

neglectable, one to two extra venipunctures per patient