Creatine Kinase Levels

Creatine kinase levels in the body are determined by going through the creatine kinase test. The other name for this test is: Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) test. Creatine kinase is an enzyme present in our body, in areas including the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles.

However, it is found more in the heart and skeletal muscles as compared to the brain. Therefore, the levels of this enzyme tend to increase when the body goes through an injury or damage of any kind. The normal values vary in both men and women.

A healthcare specialist withdraws blood sample from your vein, which can be either at the inner elbow, or at the back of the hand. The site to be punctured is first cleaned with an antiseptic treated cotton ball. After the site is cleaned, a plastic band is wrapped around the arm, in order to increase the flow of the blood towards the vein.

This helps the healthcare specialist to collect the blood sample with ease. Once the band has been wrapped, a medically treated needle is inserted into the vein and the desired amount of blood is withdrawn into the tube attached to the needle.

After that, the plastic band is removed from the arm and a medicated cotton ball is used to press the punctured site to prevent further bleeding and infection. The sample is then sent to the laboratory to determine the exact levels of this enzyme.

The reference values, or, in other words, the acceptable range of creatine kinase varies depending from one laboratory to another. Also, the ranges are different based on the gender and age of the person. The following values have been taken from Mayo Clinic. However, you must consult with your healthcare specialist to get a clear explanation of your test results.

For Males

• Age group 6 to 11 years: 150-499 U/L
• 12 to 17 years: 94-499 U/L
• 18 years or more: 52-336 U/L

For Females

• Age group 6 to 7 years: 134-391 U/L
• 8 to 14 years: 91-391 U/L
• 15 to 17 years: 53-269 U/L
• 18 years or more: 38-176 U/L

Please Note -

• Consumption of certain medications, intramuscular injections, and strenuous exercising can elevate the level of CPK.
• Consumption of alcohol or cocaine may also alter the test results.

As mentioned earlier, any injury or damage in the brain, heart, or skeletal muscles may lead to elevated levels. If the test results are higher than the normal range, this may be due to certain health conditions. Although, due to constant exercising and exertion, it is observed that the creatine kinase levels in athletes usually remain high.

Other than that, mentioned below are the health conditions that can lead to high CPK levels.

• Hypothyroidism
• Brain injury
• Myocardial infarction
• Muscular trauma
• Heart muscle inflammation
• Hyperthyroidism

• Skeletal muscle inflammation
• Lung tissue death
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Hereditary muscle diseases
• Cardiac arrest
• Hypokalemia

Any deviation from the set range signifies that something is just not right! Low levels of creatine kinase signify health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and alcoholic liver diseases.

Your doctor may advice you to go through a CPK blood test, if you are showing symptoms of chest pain, heart diseases, acute renal failure, or muscle damage. Unlike other blood tests, this test does not require any prior preparation. However, don't forget to check with your doctor the reasons that can trigger the test results.

There are certain medications that can lead to misleading test results. So, it is advisable to let your doctor know about the medicines that you have been consuming. Getting to know the correct creatine kinase levels in your blood would help the doctor determine essential diagnosis and treatment for any health problem you may be experiencing.

Disclaimer: This story is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a replacement for expert medical advice.