Creatine Kinase (CK) Test For Heart Diseases

Creatine Kinase Test or CK Test, is a blood test that helps diagnose muscle damage and various medical conditions, including heart attack. Creatine Kinase (CK) is an enzyme, also referred as creatine phosphokinase (CPK) that is specified by the various cell types.

 

Creatine Kinase Test 

Here are the basic details for Creatine Kinase (CK) Test.

Also Known As	CK Test, CK, Total CK, CK-MB Test, Creatine Phosphokinase, CPK
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Check levels of the enzyme CK in the blood
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	All
Age-Group	18+
Normal Value	26-174 U/L for males 26-140 U/L for females
Reporting Time	1- 2 hours
Cost	200 - 800* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

CK Test Full Form

Full Form of CK Test is Creatine Kinase Blood Test.

 

Creatine Kinase Test Means

The Creatine Kinase (CK) test is a blood test that measures the levels of the enzyme CK in the blood.

• CK is found in various tissues of the body, including the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle.
• When muscle tissue is damaged or injured, CK is released into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated levels of CK in the blood.
• The CK test is primarily used to diagnose and monitor muscle damage or injury, such as in cases of heart attack, muscle inflammation, or muscular dystrophy.
• It may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in certain conditions, such as myocardial infarction or rhabdomyolysis.
• Normal CK levels vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and muscle mass.
• Abnormally high levels of CK in the blood may indicate muscle damage or injury, while abnormally low levels may indicate liver disease or malnutrition.

Interesting Facts About Creatine Kinase

• Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in various tissues, including muscle, heart, and brain.
• Elevated levels of CK in the blood can indicate muscle damage, such as from strenuous exercise, muscle disorders, or heart conditions.
• Different forms of CK, known as isoenzymes, exist, with CK-MB predominantly found in heart muscle and CK-BB found in the brain.

 

Creatine Kinase Test Purpose

Here is the purpose of the Creatine Kinase Test:

• To diagnose and monitor heart conditions like heart attack, angina, and myocarditis
• To evaluate and monitor muscle damage or disease, such as muscular dystrophy, myositis, and rhabdomyolysis
• To monitor the effects of certain medications on muscle function
• To diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the brain and nervous system, such as stroke, seizures, and multiple sclerosis
• To evaluate the severity of the trauma, burns, or other injuries
• To monitor people with progressive conditions that affect muscle function, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• To assess the risk of developing future heart or muscle problems in people with a family history of such conditions.

 

 

Creatine Kinase Test Preparation

Here are some points for Creatine Kinase Test preparation:

 

Before Test

• Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications or supplements as they may interfere with the test results.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your arm for blood collection.

 

During Test

• The test is a simple blood draw procedure that takes only a few minutes.
• A healthcare provider will clean the area on your arm and insert a needle to collect a blood sample.

 

After Test

• You may experience slight pain or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted, which should go away on its own after a while.
• You can resume your regular activities and diet after the test.

Summary

Prepare for a Creatine Kinase Test by informing your doctor about medications, wearing comfortable clothing, and expect a simple blood draw procedure with minimal discomfort.

 

Creatine Kinase Test Procedure

Here are the steps involved in the Creatine Kinase test procedure:

• A healthcare professional will ask you to remove any clothing or jewelry that may interfere with the test.
• They will then clean the area where the blood will be drawn with an antiseptic solution.
• A needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm and a small amount of blood will be drawn.
• The needle will be removed and pressure will be applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding.
• The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• The results will usually be available within a few days.

It's important to note that the exact procedure may vary depending on the specific laboratory or healthcare provider.

 

Creatine Kinase Test Result

The interpretation of Creatine Kinase Test results can vary depending on the individual's age, sex, and physical activity level, but in general:

• Elevated levels of creatine kinase may indicate muscle damage or disease, heart attack, or other conditions.
• Normal levels of creatine kinase are typically considered to be between 30 and 200 U/L for men and 10 and 150 U/L for women.

 

Creatine Kinase Test Report

Creatine Kinase CK Test Report PDF

Creatine Kinase CK Test Normal Report

Creatine Kinase CK Normal Test Report PDF Format

Creatine Kinase CK Test Normal Result Report PDF

 

Creatine Kinase CK Test Abnormal Report

Creatine Kinase CK Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

Creatine Kinase CK Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

 

Creatine Kinase Test Normal Range

The normal range of creatine kinase (CK) levels may vary slightly depending on the laboratory that performs the test. However, the following table shows a general reference range for CK levels:

Age Group	CK Levels
Adults	Men: 55-170 units per liter (U/L) Women: 30-135 U/L
Children (6 months to puberty)	55-170 U/L (similar to adult range)
Infants (up to 6 months)	100-410 U/L
Newborns	Newborns typically have higher CK levels compared to older infants and children. The levels gradually decrease over the first few weeks of life. In the first 2-3 days of life: CK levels can range from 100 to several thousand U/L. By the end of the first week: CK levels usually decrease to around 100-400 U/L.

It's important to note that the normal range may differ based on the method used to measure CK levels and the reference values provided by the laboratory. The reference range provided by the laboratory where the test is performed should be used for accurate interpretation.

 

Creatine Kinase Test Interpretation

 

CK Levels	Interpretation
Normal range	26-174 U/L for males 26-140 U/L for females
Mildly elevated	175-350 U/L
Moderately elevated	351-700 U/L
Highly elevated	>700 U/L
Extremely high	>1000 U/L

 

Note: Interpretation may vary based on the age, gender, and health condition of the individual being tested. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and interpretation of CK levels.

 

Creatine Kinase Test High Levels

Here are some common causes of high creatine kinase levels:

High Creatine Kinase Levels Cause	Remark
Muscle injury or trauma	High CK levels are commonly seen in cases of muscle injury or trauma, such as muscle strains, sprains, or crush injuries. The extent of CK elevation may correlate with the severity of muscle damage.
Rhabdomyolysis	Rhabdomyolysis is a severe condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue. It can result from causes such as severe trauma, prolonged immobilization, certain medications, extreme exercise, or metabolic disorders. Rhabdomyolysis often leads to significantly elevated CK levels.
Myositis	Myositis refers to inflammation of the muscles. Autoimmune myositis conditions, such as polymyositis and dermatomyositis, can cause muscle damage and result in elevated CK levels.
Muscle disorders	Various muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophies (e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy), metabolic myopathies (e.g., McArdle disease), or mitochondrial myopathies, can lead to chronic muscle damage and increased CK levels.
Muscle necrosis	In certain conditions where muscle tissue dies (muscle necrosis), such as compartment syndrome or muscle infections, CK levels can be significantly elevated.
Heart conditions	CK-MB, a subtype of CK, can be elevated in cases of heart conditions like heart attacks (myocardial infarction) or cardiac surgery. Elevated CK levels in these situations reflect heart muscle damage.
Medications	Some medications, such as statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) and certain anesthetics, can occasionally cause elevated CK levels as a side effect.
Excessive exercise	Intense or prolonged exercise can sometimes cause temporary CK elevation. However, it typically returns to normal within a few days.

 

Creatine Kinase Test Low Levels

Here are some common causes of low creatine kinase levels:

Low Creatine Kinase Levels  Causes	Remark
Muscular dystrophy	Low CK levels can be seen in some forms of muscular dystrophy, such as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I.
Statin use	Statin medications, which are commonly prescribed for lowering cholesterol, can sometimes reduce CK levels. This effect is more commonly observed at higher statin doses.
Malnutrition	Severe malnutrition or inadequate protein intake can result in reduced CK levels.
Liver disease	CK is cleared from the bloodstream by the liver. Severe liver disease or impaired liver function can lead to decreased CK levels.
Hypothyroidism	In rare cases, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) may be associated with decreased CK levels. However, this is not a common finding.
Genetic disorders	Some rare genetic disorders, such as some forms of congenital myasthenic syndromes, may result in lower CK levels.
Reduced muscle mass	CK levels are influenced by muscle mass. Therefore, individuals with reduced muscle mass, such as in advanced age or immobilization, may have lower CK levels.

 

Summary

High levels of creatine kinase (CK) in a blood test may indicate muscle damage or injury, while low levels are generally within the normal range.

 

Specimen Requirments For Creatine KinaseTest

Here are the specimen requirements for the Creatine Kinase Test.

Specimen	Blood
Volume	1 - 5 ml
Container	Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube.

 

Creatine Kinase Test is Safe?

• Creatine kinase test is generally considered safe and non-invasive.
• However, as with any medical test, there is a slight risk of bruising, bleeding, or infection at the site where the blood is drawn.

 

When Do You Get Creatine Kinase Test Results?

• Creatine Kinase test results are usually available within 1 -2 hours of the test being performed.
• Your healthcare provider will review the results with you and discuss what they mean in the context of your overall health.

 

Creatine Kinase Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the Creatine Kinase Test .

• Limited specificity for specific conditions or organs affected.
• Elevated levels can be seen in non-cardiac conditions.
• Normal levels do not rule out muscle damage.
• Timing of the test may affect results' accuracy.
• Other factors like exercise or medications can influence levels.

 

Creatine Kinase Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the Creatine Kinase Test.

• Muscle injury or trauma.
• Strenuous exercise or physical activity.
• Certain medications or drugs.
• Underlying medical conditions affecting muscle health.

 

Doctor Recommendations After Creatine Kinase Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after Creatine Kinase Test.

Creatine Kinase Test Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Visit
High	Cardiologist	Possible heart or muscle damage
Normal	Primary care doctor	Routine follow-up or general health
Low	No specific doctor	No immediate concern

 

Creatine Kinase Test Price

Here are the estimated Creatine Kinase Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	200 - 800
New Delhi	200 - 800
Bangalore	200 - 800
Hyderabad	200 - 600
Kolkata	200 - 800
Pune	200 - 800
Lucknow	200 - 800
Noida	300 - 800
Surat	200 - 800
Gurugram	300 - 800
Patna	300 - 800
Chennai	200 - 800
Jaipur	300 - 800
Ahmedabad	200 - 800

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall, Creatine Kinase Test is a blood test that measures the level of an enzyme called creatine kinase in the blood, which can help diagnose certain conditions affecting muscles, heart, or brain. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• Creatine - Wikipedia [1].