What does the Creatine Kinase - CK blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Creatine Kinase (CK) is an enzyme found primarily in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. This test measures the level of CK in the blood and is used to detect muscle damage. Elevated levels can indicate conditions such as heart attack, muscle injuries, muscular dystrophy, or severe exercise. CK is also used to monitor the progress of certain muscle disorders and assess the effectiveness of treatments. It's particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring heart attacks, as CK levels rise within 3-6 hours of heart muscle damage and peak within 24 hours.
A CK level below the normal range is relatively uncommon and generally not considered clinically significant. However, it may occasionally indicate:
Low CK levels rarely require specific treatment but may prompt further investigation into underlying causes.
Elevated CK levels above the normal range can indicate:
High CK levels often require further investigation to determine the underlying cause. In cases of heart attack or severe muscle damage, immediate medical attention is necessary. Treatment depends on the specific cause identified.