How do I interpret CPK (Creatine phosphokinase) lab results?

Answer by  wyeth (435)

Very high levels usually mean damage to heart,brain or muscles. Different types of CPK can narrow down the most likely cause.Rarer diseases include muscular dystrophy,polymyositis,dermatomyositis,severe infections and malignant hyperthermia.

Answer by  jpp (84)

CPK is an enzyme found in the heart, brain and muscles. Elevation of total CPK levels usually indicates injury or stress to the muscles, heart or brain. CPK would leak into the blood stream incase of muscle damage or a heart attack. However, other drugs can also cause elevation of CPK measurements. It is best to talk to your doctor.

Answer by  mammakat (11147)

Creatine kinase is an enzyme present in skeletal and heart muscles and the brain. The test is performed to detect damage or disease, but an elevated level is not in itself diagnostic. You need professional assistance to interpret the results, as an abnormal level may not indicate a problem, it may just signal the need for further diagnostics.

Answer by  GVlad (104)

You can`t interpret the result unless you have a clinical conjuncture that may point you in the right direction. There are a varied number of causes for high CK values.

Answer by  sar (227)

CPK levels rise when heart cells or skeletal muscles are damaged. Interpretation of lab results depends on the specific reason that the test was ordered. When muscle damage has occurred, levels of CPK continue to rise over 4-6 hours, peak at 18-24 hours, then return to normal in 2-3 days.

Answer by  April (296)

This is a blood chemistry test to measure the amount of enzyme in the blood. The CPK enzyme is found in high concentration in heart and skeletal muscle; low concentration is brain tissue. Because of its intimate role in energy production, CPK reflects normal tissue catabolism; increased serum levels indicate trauma to cells.

Answer by  Kath (1537)

CPK is an enzyme that is present in the heart, the brain and the muscles. An elevated reading can indicate disease or some damage to the muscles. Some medications can cause and elevations in the CPK reading, so is is best not to take this at face value. It is best to have further tests and talk to you doctor.