High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Can Be An Ally in the Fight Against COVID-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel pathogen responsible for the now widely recognised disease, COVID-19. To date, there are no evidencebased treatments, and the mainstay of management is supportive care. Mortality estimates for the condition vary, with an overall case fatality rate between 1.4% and 2.3%.[1,2] Despite only a minority of patients having a severe illness, the observed exponential spread of COVID-19 across many countries indicates the critical care capacity in every region and country may become overwhelmed. As such, it is imperative that we effectively risk stratify patients to determine those at highest risk who may require more intensive surveillance and support. Similarly, in patients most vulnerable for adverse outcomes, early recognition of a clinical state that is incompatible with survival may inform clinical decision making to prioritize palliative care and influence resource allocation, in a manner similar to triage after a major incident