Troponin elevation after noncardiac surgery: Significance and management

ABSTRACT

How to interpret and manage troponin elevations after noncardiac surgery is a common clinical question for cardiologists and internists. An estimated 5% to 25% of patients who undergo noncardiac surgery have an elevated postoperative troponin level. Patients with troponin elevation are at higher short-term and long-term risk of morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines provide few recommendations on how to manage these patients. The authors review the evidence and guidelines and propose treatment strategies.