Elevated troponin after stroke: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Troponin levels are elevated in some acute stroke patients, but the clinical significance of this is unclear. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of studies measuring troponin within 7 days of symptom onset in acute stroke patients. RESULTS We identified 15 studies (2,901 patients). Overall 18.1% (95% CI 13.6-22.6) had a positive troponin level. These patients were more likely to have electrocardiogram (ECG) changes suggestive of myocardial ischemia (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.5-6.2), and there was an independent association with death (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.7-4.8). CONCLUSION Elevated troponin level after acute stroke is common and is associated with ECG changes suggestive of myocardial ischemia and increased risk of death.