Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle that helps cells produce high-energy molecules for normal functions. Elevated CK levels in the blood can indicate neuromuscular diseases, infarction, acute renal failure, and rhabdomyolosis. Regular monitoring is recommended for those taking statins.
Creatine kinase, or CK, is an enzyme found primarily in the brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. CK, also called phosphocreatine kinase or CPK, helps cells produce a biochemical reaction that results in high-energy molecules that cells use to perform normal functions. When creatine kinase combines with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) it produces phosphocreatine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Muscles use these energy molecules to contract muscle fibers. This reaction can also work in reverse, so that phosphocreatine and ADP can create ATP.
There are three types of creatine kinase, or isoenzymes, produced by the body. CK-MM is produced by skeletal muscle, CK-MB is produced by heart, and CK-BB is produced by brain. Under certain circumstances, CK-MM can leave cells and enter the bloodstream. This happens when the muscle is damaged, either by muscle injury, exercise, or as a result of a neuromuscular disorder.
Doctors can test the presence of creatine kinase in the blood to help diagnose and evaluate the disease in which muscle wasting can occur. A blood serum sample is obtained and CK levels are measured in units of enzyme per liter. Levels typically vary with gender, activity levels, and other factors, but a normal range is between 22 and 198 units per liter.
High levels of creatine kinase can indicate neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy. Elevated CK may also indicate infarction, acute renal failure, polymyosotes, dermatomyositis, hypothyroidism, hypothermia, recent surgery, or a recent bout of vigorous exercise. In the case of neuromuscular disease, high CK levels can diagnose the disease before other symptoms appear.
In rhabdomyolosis, the muscles break down very rapidly, releasing the cellular contents into the bloodstream. When this happens, creatine kinase levels can rise very high, indicating a dangerous condition in which types of proteins called myoglobins can enter the kidneys. Kidney failure may occur. Rhabdomyolosis is not a condition in and of itself, but a symptom of other conditions in the body. It most commonly happens after a serious injury or as a result of medications and requires immediate medical attention.
People taking statins to control cholesterol may need to have their CK levels monitored regularly. A side effect of statins is muscle pain and weakness which can, in rare cases, lead to rhabdomyosis and risk of kidney failure. Careful monitoring of creatine kinase levels can alert your doctor to early signs of muscle breakdown so that kidney damage can be prevented.
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