Increased level of high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin T in a geriatric population is determined by comorbidities compared to age

High level of cardiac Troponin T (hs-cTnT) in geriatric population has been considered as an age-related phenomenon, which may question the interpretation of the increase of hs-cTnT in this population. The challenge is what is the primary cause of the increased hs-cTnT levels in elderly patients without AMI. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to determine the impact of aging on hs-cTnT levels in elderly patients without acute cardiac events but in the presence of comorbidities. METHODS: Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from 6977 medical records of patients aged ≥65 years without acute coronary events but for whom hs-cTnT measurements were available. The patients were stratified based on age, troponin levels and the number of comorbidities. RESULTS: The results suggested that the likelihood of increased hs-cTnT was related to the presence of comorbidities independently of their number (p < 0.05). The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for both advanced age and having comorbidity was statistically significant, however for the old group (74 ≥ age ≥ 84 years) the chance of having elevated troponin regarding age compared to the presence of comorbidity was 1.070 vs. 1.216, whereas for the old-old group (≥85 years) it was found to be 1.071 vs. 1.311. Besides statistical significance for age, from a clinical standpoint, the AOR of 1.070 may not be considered clinically relevant. CONCLUSION: Increased hs-cTnT levels were associated with the presence of pre-existing comorbidities independently of age. Increased hs-cTnT levels in the elderly should always be considered as pathological, and a specific etiology should be searched.