Cuban experts implement new tests for cardiovascular diagnosis

HAVANA, Cuba, May 20 (ACN) In order to improve the opportune diagnosis and efficiency of cardiovascular treatments, cardiac troponin tests, a blood test to accurately determine myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease or heart failure, are being implemented.

According to Dr. Aylen Perez, a specialist at the National Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, based in Havana, explained to the Cuban News Agency, the behavior of cardiac enzymes is the reference standard to efficiently detect acute coronary syndrome through the use of this type of biomarker.

The application of cardiac troponin tests has increased the proportion of patients with heart disease, without elevation of parameters that define infarction, thus improving clinical management by defining a more beneficial therapy and reducing the prevalence of morbidity and mortality, said the cardiologist.

She also commented on its use in patients treated by percutaneous coronary intervention to evaluate their evolution and predict adverse cardiac events in time, since myocardial damage can occur.

Perez emphasized that the measurement and analysis of troponin levels in blood are analyzed according to age group, obesity indexes, arterial hypertension levels and symptoms such as tachycardia and chest pain in order to avoid over-diagnosis, since the data obtained in the laboratory are extensive and can determine suspicions indicative of myocardial ischemia and electrocardiographic alterations.

The prevention, timely diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases is currently a priority in Cuba, as it is the leading cause of death in the country.