High-sensitivity troponin I-guided cardiovascular risk assessment in a general asymptomatic population: a cost-effectiveness analysis in 4000 adults.

Abstract

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI) is a promising biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. This study assessed clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of an hs-TnI-guided CVD screening strategy in a general asymptomatic adult population. In a modeled observational program, 4000 adults aged 40-70 years without known CVD underwent hs-TnI testing. Participants were stratified into low (<4 ng/L), moderate (4-10 ng/L), and high (>10 ng/L) risk categories, and underwent further cardiac evaluation, and intervention, if indicated. A discrete-event microsimulation estimated CVD events, mortality, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs over 10 years. Among 4000 participants (mean age 57.1 ± 8.6 years; 52% women), 3548 (88.7%) were low-risk, 390 (9.8%) moderate-risk, and 62 (1.5%) high-risk. Noninvasive cardiac workup was performed in 452 (11.3%), and coronary angiography in 112 (2.8%). Significant coronary artery disease (CAD) was diagnosed in 49 (1.2%), with revascularization in 45. Compared to standard care, hs-TnI screening reduced CVD events by 37% and cardiovascular deaths by 34%, gaining 16.3 QALYs per 1000 participants. Incremental cost per person was €528, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €32 100/QALY, remaining cost effective in 93% of simulations. hs-TnI-guided cardiovascular risk assessment effectively stratifies asymptomatic adults, identifies subclinical CAD, and facilitates preventive intervention, appearing cost effective in reducing CVD burden.