Raised troponin in COPD: clinical implications and possible mechanisms

Abstract

Over the past decade it has become apparent that during an exacerbation of COPD, classically defined by the combination of worsening dyspnoea with increased sputum volume and/or purulence, there is subclinical myocardial damage typified by an increase in troponin level and other biomarkers which predict mortality.2–4 The key question relates to the mechanisms behind this rise, since without an understanding of the mechanisms the ability to identify an appropriate intervention that will improve outcome is hindered.