Elevated Troponon Levels

I am 54, female, have had two severe frontal heart attacks, now have 3 medicated stents. My Troponin Level is 0.032 - 0.026 - 0.033 over a 8 hour period, when last checked thru the emergency room. Could I have some severe heart damage? What does the Troponin Level actually mean - long term.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you?  Troponin tests are primarily ordered for people who experience chest pain to rule out heart attack or damage to the heart, and to detect and evaluate mild to severe heart injury. Normally, cardiac troponin levels are so low that they cannot be measured. Even slight elevations may indicate some degree of damage to the heart. Normal laboratory results differ from one laboratory to another, but Troponin I : 0 – 0.1 ng/ml (onset: 4-6 hrs, peak:12-24 hrs, return to normal: 4-7 days) while troponin T : 0 – 0.2 ng/ml (onset: 3-4 hrs, peak:10-24 hrs, return to normal: 10-14 days). Discuss your results with your cardiologist for proper evaluation.Troponin concentrations should not be used by themselves to diagnose or rule out a heart attack. A physical exam, clinical history, and ECG are important. Take care and regards.