Establishing reference intervals for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin in the apparently healthy population in China.

This study was led by Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and implemented as an observational clinical study in collaboration with multiple centers. It selected residual blood samples from individuals who had undergone physical examinations, had signed informed consent, and had no significant abnormalities in routine laboratory tests. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin was measured to establish reference intervals for cardiovascular biomarkers in the apparently healthy population in China.

Inclusion criteria:

Apparent healthy Chinese individuals, aged between 20 and 80 years; Normal electrocardiogram (ECG) during physical examination; Signed informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria:

Musculoskeletal disease or a history of rheumatoid arthritis, or high-intensity exercise (e.g., marathon) within the past week; Biotin treatment within the past week; Hospitalization for an emergency within the past three months; Pregnancy or lactation within the past year; Diabetes: fasting blood glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L; glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5%; Chronic kidney disease: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²; Latent heart disease: NT-proBNP > 125 ng/L or BNP > 35 ng/L; Known cardiovascular or heart disease in the past: treated with medication or other interventions; Chronic diseases that may affect the heart (cancer/tumor, autoimmune diseases); Hemolysis, lipemia, or insufficient residual sample volume for testing.

Healthy population