Final answer:
Cardiac troponins are released from damaged cardiac muscle cells in response to myocardial injury. Elevated levels of cardiac troponins are used in the diagnosis and management of myocardial infarction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cardiac troponins are proteins that are released in response to myocardial injury, particularly in the case of a myocardial infarction (MI). They are released from damaged cardiac muscle cells.
When the heart muscle is injured, the cell membranes of the cardiac muscle cells become damaged, leading to the release of cardiac troponins into the bloodstream. The release of cardiac troponins can be detected and measured through the use of blood tests.
The levels of cardiac troponins in the blood are indicative of the severity of the myocardial injury. Elevated levels of cardiac troponins are highly specific for myocardial infarction and are used in the diagnosis of MI. Additionally, serial measurements of cardiac troponins can be used to monitor the progress of myocardial injury and to guide the management and treatment of MI.