Louis, Saunders Elsevier, ; Crit Care Apr;9 2 Morandi L, Angelini C, Prelle A, et al: High plasma creatine kinase: review of the literature and proposal for a diagnostic algorithm. Neurol Sci Nov 5 Skip to main content. Register Sign In. Almost everyone with a neuromuscular disorder has had, or will have, a creatine kinase test. But what exactly is creatine kinase CK , and why are its levels measured in neuromuscular diseases? CK, also known as phosphocreatine kinase, or CPK, is a type of protein called an enzyme.
It catalyzes, or "encourages," a biochemical reaction to occur. The normal function of CK in our cells is to add a phosphate group to creatine, turning it into the high-energy molecule phosphocreatine. Phosphocreatine is burned as a quick source of energy by our cells. However, the normal function of CK isn't as relevant, in this case, as what happens to CK when muscle is damaged.
During the process of muscle degeneration, muscle cells break open and their contents find their way into the bloodstream. Work with your doctor or another health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Exercise and training are the main cause of increased creatine kinase levels [ 10 , 11 , 12 ].
CK levels transiently increase to over 30 times the upper normal limit within 24 hours of strenuous physical activity and then slowly decline back to normal over the next 7 days.
To what degree CK spikes depends on the type and duration of exercise [ 8 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Studies have shown that even stretching can increase CK [ 16 ]!
Also, people who are untrained will experience greater spikes in CK levels due to greater muscle damage [ 8 ]. On the other hand, athletes have higher resting CK levels compared to non-athletes. Fun fact: The highest creatine kinase on record was over a million and was caused solely by a heavy workout [ 17 ]! Although higher CK levels are found in athletes, conversely, high CK levels are also found in obese and overweight people.
In a study of 1, subjects, higher CK levels were linked with higher BMI and waist-to-hip ratio [ 18 ]. In another study of over 10, adults, overweight and obese men had almost 2 times greater odds of having elevated CK [ 19 ]. Similarly, in 4, people, CK levels were higher in people with greater body mass [ 4 ].
Scientists may have found an explanation for this. They discovered that obese and overweight people have more fast-twitch type II muscle fibers and less slow-twitch type I muscle fibers. Fast-twitch muscle fibers have higher CK activity [ 4 ]. Creatine kinase will increase with muscle, heart, or brain damage — these can be caused by an underlying disease or disorder, including:.
Interventions that damage tissues, such as injections into the muscles or any type of surgery, will increase CK levels [ 8 , 57 , 58 ]. Cocaine increases CK levels [ 59 , 60 , 61 ]. Finally, toxins like snake venom or carbon monoxide can increase CK levels [ 77 , 78 ]. A study with over 12, people found that higher CK was linked to lower hs-CRP , which is a measure of chronic inflammation [ 79 ].
You may also need this test if you have chest pain or weakness and your healthcare provider wants to see t if you've had a heart attack. If you are taking statin medicines and have unusual muscle cramping and pain or muscle weakness, your healthcare provider may also order a CK test.
Statin medicines are used to treat high cholesterol. They sometimes cause serious muscle injury. In very rare cases, they can even lead to a rapid, life-threatening muscle breakdown. Your healthcare provider may order other tests to find out if you have had muscle injury or a heart attack.
If you have had a heart attack, your healthcare provider may order a blood test to look for high levels of cardiac troponin. This is another protein found in your heart. This is because cardiac troponin is more sensitive and more specific.
Or the healthcare provider may order tests to see how you are recovering. These tests include:. Because levels of CK may rise if you have a thyroid problem, alcohol abuse, or kidney failure, your healthcare provider may also order tests to look for these diseases.
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