Test Could Spot Heart Attack in 1 Hour

A new test could help emergency departments rule out (or rule in) heart attacks faster, according to a new study. The test is called high-sensitivity cardiac troponin. It detects cardiac enzymes called troponins. High troponin levels in the blood are a sign of damage or injury to the heart. And this could signal heart attack. The Swiss study took place from April 2006 to June 2009. It examined close to 900 patients who visited the ER with chest pain. Half of the patients were evaluated using the new testing method. That new method included gauging the troponin level when they arrived and then again an hour later. Using this method, the researchers ruled out heart attack in 60% of patients. They found evidence of heart attack in 17%. And the other 23% of patients were observed and monitored further.