Elevated troponin -24yrs old

[StephBom]

Hello Doctor!

Last night I went to the ER because I was having severe chest pains.  The pain was localized in the center of my chest (sternum area), but also felt like it was between my shoulder blades at times.  My left hand was tingly, and the left side of my face briefly.  

Yesterday I ate toast, almonds, kale, rice, and some vegetable soup.  I have had indigestion before and this was not the same feeling.  

I had a normal EKG, my HR was 70, and everything seemed normal except my troponin levels.  They were slightly elevated when they first tested my blood.  The second test (after repeated administration of nitroglycerin) said my troponin levels were normal...  I'm not sure if I had a false positive on the first test.  

The doctor was particularly concerned because I had these chest pains and showed elevated levels of troponin at the same time.  Additionally the nitroglycerin decreased my pain level within 3 minutes of administration.  

Any idea what this could be?  I am 24 years old, female, with no family history of heart problems.  

[amelie78]

It would probably be best, considering your symptoms and troponin test, to schedule a visit with a cardiologist.  I would say you had a heart attack which can be from any number of causes outside of what may be considered typical.  Also, troponin levels can come up negative but this is not a foolproof test.