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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Isolation of Human Atrial Myocytes for Simultaneous Measurements of Ca2+ Transients and Membrane Currents
10:53

Isolation of Human Atrial Myocytes for Simultaneous Measurements of Ca2+ Transients and Membrane Currents

Published on: July 3, 2013

Troponin I in atrial fibrillation with no coronary atherosclerosis

José Pedro L Nunes1, João Carlos Silva, Maria Júlia Maciel

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Hospital São João, Faculty of Medicine, 4200 Porto, Portugal. jplnunes@med.up.pt

Acta Cardiologica
|July 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Recent onset atrial fibrillation with rapid heart rate may cause myocardial strain, leading to elevated cardiac troponin I levels. This finding suggests strain, not coronary artery disease, as a cause for troponin release in some cases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Reports suggest a link between myocardial strain and elevated plasma troponin I.
  • Cardiac troponin I is a biomarker for myocardial injury.

Observation:

  • A 69-year-old male patient presented with chest pain and dyspnea.
  • Electrocardiogram revealed atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate of 120-150/min.
  • Treatment with digoxin and amiodarone restored sinus rhythm.

Findings:

  • Plasma troponin I levels were elevated (max 0.66 ng/ml).
  • Coronary angiography showed no atherosclerotic lesions.
  • The patient's condition resolved after rhythm control.

Implications:

  • Recent-onset atrial fibrillation with high heart rate can induce acute myocardial strain.
  • This strain may cause abnormal release of cardiac troponin I.
  • Elevated troponin I in this context may not indicate acute coronary syndrome.

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