Objective Correlation of Cardiac Troponin I and Decompensated heart failure. Small studies report that cTnI is elevated in severe heart failure (HF) and may predict adverse outcomes.

Methods Serial blood samples were instantly collected from 336 patients who presented Decompensated heart failure (NYHA class III-IV) at Admission. Patients with acute myocardial infarction or myocarditis were excluded from analysis. Measurement of cTnI and Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), echocardiography was done after Disease condition Improved. cTnI was detectable (cTnI ≥0.40 ng/ml) in serum of 161 patients (47.9%). Patients with detectable cTnI levels had significantly higher B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between detectable cTnI and progressive decline in ejection fraction over time. Furthermore, detectable cTnI was associated with increased mortality risk (RR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.78). After adjustment of other factors associated with adverse prognosis including age, sex, ejection fraction, and coronary artery disease, cTnI remained a significant predictor of death. cTnI used in conjunction with BNP further improved prognostic value.

Conclusions cTnI is associated with elevated BNP levels and progressive left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe HF. cTnI may be a novel, useful tool in identifying patients with HF who are at increased risk for progressive ventricular dysfunction and death.