Cardiac troponin I in a representative sample of the Kyrgyz Republic population: distribution, ethnic differences, and association with risk factors

Objective. To assess the distribution of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in a sample of the Kyrgyz Republic population, to study its associations with risk factors and to identify the possible ethnic differences. Design and methods. This observational cross-sectional study includes a representative sample of the Kyrgyz Republic population aged 20–64 years (n = 1256). The analysis of cTnI levels in the population and associations of cTnI levels with socio-demographic parameters (sex, age, education, etc.), risk factors (smoking, obesity, hypertension, etc.), blood biochemical parameters (triglycerides, lipid profile, glucose) and an anamnesis of cardiovascular diseases and total cardiovascular risk according to the SCORE scale. The statistical significance level was considered equal to 0,05. Results. The median cTnI level in the Kyrgyz sample was 0,90 pg/ml [0,40; 1,80]. The 99th percentile for the entire sample was 21,4 pg/ml in men and 12,2 pg/ml in women. The median cTnI in the Slavs sample was 1,40 pg/ml [0,60; 2,20]. The 99th percentile for the entire sample was 21,2 pg/ml in men and 25,2 pg/ml in women. The cTnI level log increases significantly with age in both men and women. At the age of 20-30 years, the cTnI level in men is higher than in women in both ethnic groups. However, with age, the increase rate of cTnI in women is higher than in men in both ethnic groups. In a multivariate analysis, significant associations of cTnI levels with sex, age, hypertension, stroke, blood levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were obtained. Insufficient accuracy of classification of study participants by SCORE risk was revealed. Conclusions. cTnI is a potential strong biomarker that complements traditional risk scales and is applicable in the framework of cardiovascular diseases primary prevention strategies, which was confirmed in this study on the Kyrgyz Republic population.