Measurement of cardiac troponins to detect myocardial infarction using high-sensitivity assays : South African guidelines

Abstract

With the use of specific cardiac markers with higher sensitivity, new perspectives have emerged on the nature of myocardial necrosis and injury, which are associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The third universal definition of myocardial infarction1 now classifies myocardial infarction (MI), based on the relevant pathology, clinical presentation, prognosis and treatment strategy, as spontaneous MI (type 1), MI secondary to an ischaemic imbalance (type 2), cardiac death due to sudden fatal MI (type 3), and MI associated with revascularisation procedures (types 4 and 5). What has also become evident is the extent of necrosis and injury that is associated with pathologies of other organs and conditions.