Which blood test detects proteins released when heart muscle is damaged?

• A. Troponin test
• B. CK-MB test
• C. ESR
• D. Lipase test

Answer: (A)

Troponin is the marker used to detect proteins released when heart muscle is damaged. When cardiac injury occurs, troponin I and troponin T leak into the bloodstream and remain elevated for days, making the troponin test highly sensitive and specific for myocardial injury. Timing matters: levels rise a few hours after injury, peak around 12–24 hours, and can stay elevated for several days. CK-MB is another marker of heart damage but is less specific, since it can rise with skeletal muscle injury as well. ESR is a general inflammation marker, not specific to the heart, and lipase is used for pancreatic issues. So the troponin test is the best choice for detecting heart muscle damage.