Creatine kinase (ck, cpk) – normal, too high, too low. indications for the examination

Creatine kinase, also known as CK or CPK, is an enzyme present in muscle and brain cells that plays a key role in transferring energy between cells. Testing your creatine kinase levels can provide valuable information about the health of your muscles, heart and nervous system. In this article, we will discuss what creatine kinase is, when to test the level of this enzyme, reference standards, and what are the causes of increased or decreased CK levels.

What is creatine kinase?

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in various forms in muscle and brain cells. It is an important factor in energy transfer, helping to convert creatine into creatine phosphate, which is a source of quick energy for the muscles. Therefore, CK is especially present in skeletal muscles, the heart and the brain.

When should creatine kinase levels be tested?

Creatine kinase level testing is performed to assess the condition of the muscles, heart and nervous system. There are several situations in which your doctor may recommend this test:

• Diagnosis of muscle diseases: CK testing can help diagnose muscle diseases such as myositis, muscular dystrophies and myopathies.
• Monitoring for heart disease: An increase in CK-MB levels (one form of CK) may indicate damage to the heart muscle, such as a heart attack.
• Diagnosis of neurological disorders: Decreased plasma CK activity may be associated with neurological diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Assessment of muscle condition after exercise: After intense exercise, CK levels may be temporarily elevated.

Kinaza kreatynowa – normy

Reference standards for creatine kinase levels may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory, but a generally accepted normal CK level in adults is 22 to 198 units per liter (U/L) for men and 22 to 170 U/L for women. . For children and the elderly, the standards may be slightly different.

Cpk test – course, price and reimbursement

Creatine kinase level testing involves taking a sample of the patient’s blood. The blood is then tested in a laboratory that measures the level of CK in the plasma. The price of the test may vary depending on the region and medical facility, but it is usually available without a referral from a specialist.

It is worth noting that in some cases, CPK testing may be reimbursed by the health system if there are appropriate medical indications.

How to reduce elevated creatine kinase levels?

Elevated levels of creatine kinase may be the result of various factors, such as muscle injuries, intense physical exercise, muscle infections, or heart disease. To lower CK levels, it is important to identify the cause and treat it. Here are some general tips:

• Avoid excessive exercise, especially if you have a history of elevated CK.
• Treatment of muscle or heart diseases that may affect CK levels.
• Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support your overall body health.

Your suggestions

If you suspect health problems related to your muscles, heart or nervous system, it is always worth consulting your doctor. He will be able to order appropriate tests, including creatine kinase levels, and propose appropriate treatment.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the health of your muscles, heart and nervous system, it is also worth reading other articles on this topic. Below is a list of recommended articles that may provide you with additional knowledge:

• “Myositis – causes, symptoms and treatment”
• “Heart attack – what are the symptoms and what are the treatment methods?”
• “Neurological diseases – what is worth knowing?”

Knowing the importance of creatine kinase and understanding when it is worth testing its level, we can take care of our health and quickly respond to possible problems. Regular medical check-ups and cooperation with a doctor are crucial to maintaining the good condition of the body.