Troponins are protein components of striated muscle. There are three different troponins: troponin C, troponin T and troponin I. Together, these three proteins regulates muscular contraction. Troponins T and I are only found in cardiac muscle. These cardiac-specific troponins are normally present in very small quantities in the blood. When there is damage to heart muscle cells, cardiac troponins I and T are released into the circulation. The more damage there is, the greater the concentration of cardiac troponins I and T in the blood. The troponin test is used to help diagnose a heart attack, to detect and evaluate mild to severe heart injury, and to distinguish chest pain that may be due to other causes. Troponin levels may also be ELEVATED with acute or chronic conditions such as myocarditis (heart inflammation), congestive heart failure, severe infections, kidney disease, and certain chronic inflammatory conditions of muscles and skin.