What is Creatine Kinase Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is creatine kinase?
Creatine kinase is basically a type of protein, known as an enzyme. It is mainly found in the heart and the skeletal muscles, with less in the brain.
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What are the different types of creatine kinase?
There are 3 types of creatine kinase:
- CK-MM: it is present in skeletal muscles
- CK-MB: it is present in the heart muscle.
- CK-BB: it is present in the brain tissues.
What is the function of creatine kinase in the body?
The main function of creatine kinase is to produce energy for the muscles with the help of substances (natural chemicals) that are present in the muscle cells. A phosphate group add to creatine, known as phosphocreatine. Phosphate turns the creatine into a high-energy molecule
What is the normal value of creatine kinase?
Males: 55 to 170 U/L
Females: 30 to 145 U/L
What is the creatine kinase test?
This test measures the amount of creatine kinase (enzyme) in the blood
What is it used for?
It is used to check the muscle issues that damage by:
- Muscle diseases
- Muscle injuries.
- Muscular inflammation
This test is also used to diagnose the common tests for heart attacks but it is not often used.
Some other tests that are done along with CK:
- Electrolytes
- BUN (Blood urea nitrogen)
- Creatinine
What are the common symptoms of the muscular disorder?
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle twitching
- Numbness
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle pain
- Joint deformity
Why do I need to do this test?
A creatine kinase test is to be done if you have symptoms of
a muscular disorder like
- Muscle cramps or pain, or muscle weakness.
- Numbness or tingling
- If you have noticed the symptoms of heart attack or stroke
- Chest pain
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
- Dark-coloured urine
What does high CK indicate?
If the levels of CK are higher than normal then it means you have an injury or disease of the muscles, heart, or brain. The levels of specific enzymes that are elevated can help determine which tissue has been damaged.
- CK-MM: it means you have muscle injury or disease, such as muscular dystrophy or rhabdomyolysis.
- Muscular dystrophy: is a rare inherited disease that causes weakness, breakdown and loss of skeletal muscles.
- Rhabdomyolysis: It is a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. It can be caused by muscle disease, severe injury, or other diseases.
- CK-MB: If it is high that means it is an inflammation of the heart muscle or recently had a heart attack.
- CK-BB: It means that recently you have had a stroke or brain injury.
The other conditions that higher the level of creatine kinase are:
- Blood clots
- Infections
- A hormonal disorder like thyroid and adrenal glands
- Lengthy surgery
- On certain medications
- Exhausting exercise
