Creatine Kinase (CK)
The test determines the blood creatine kinase (CK) level — an enzyme involved in energy metabolism of muscle tissue and the heart. Used for diagnosing skeletal muscle, heart muscle, and other tissue damage.
Mechanism of abnormalities: elevated CK may indicate skeletal muscle, heart muscle, or other organ damage. Decrease usually has no clinical significance.
Recommended for:
- people with muscle pain or weakness
- with injuries or after intense physical exertion
- with heart or muscle diseases
- for monitoring muscle or heart disease treatment
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Submit fasting (8-12 hours without food)
- Do not drink water
- Avoid intense physical exertion and stress for 24 hours
- Avoid alcohol consumption
Medications: if taking heart or muscle medications — inform the doctor
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Suspected myocardial infarction
- Injuries or intense physical exertion
- Myopathies and inflammatory muscle diseases
- Monitoring treatment efficacy for muscle or heart diseases
Normal — CK level within reference values
Elevation — indicates possible muscle or heart damage
Which doctor to consult:
If muscle or heart damage is suspected, consultation with a general practitioner, cardiologist, or neurologist is recommended. The doctor evaluates laboratory results, clarifies clinical symptoms, and if needed prescribes treatment.
Self-treatment is not recommended!
