Creatine Kinase (CK) or CPK , Total Plus Isoenzymes Test

CPK stands for creatine phosphokinase, a vital enzyme your body produces. Sometimes it's also referred to as creatine kinase (CK); this enzyme helps doctors discover specific injuries or diseases in the human body.

You can test your CPK levels with a simple blood test. This enzyme is found in nearly all tissues and organs in the human body. However, it branches into three categories that help doctors distinguish where there is inflammation and why.

Keep reading this article to learn more about the CPK test, its average values in adults, and what to do if they get high.

The Basics of the CPK Test

Creatine phosphokinase is divided into three main categories: CPK 1, CPK 2, and CPK 3. Each of these categories is associated with specific organs and body parts. In other words, you'll find more of a particular CPK isoenzyme in specific organs and less in the rest of the body. For example:

• CPK 1 is primarily found in your lungs and brain
• CPK 2 is primarily found in the heart and its muscles
• CPK 3 is primarily found in skeletal muscle

When you order a CPK blood test, you will receive a result depending on how much CPK has leaked into your bloodstream due to injury or disease.

The usual range of CPK in males is between 39 and 308 U/L, and the normal range for females is from 26 to 192 U/L. If your test results indicate that you're above the average degrees, more tests might be required to determine why specific tissues or organs have been damaged lately.

What Does the CPK Plus Isoenzymes Blood Test Panel Include?

This lab test panel includes Total CK (or CPK) and relative percentage of BB (CK-1), MB (CK-2), and MM (CK-3); the rate of macro CK, if present.

The CK or CPK isoenzyme test is used to diagnose myocardial infarction (MI). Three fractions commonly may be found, each an isoenzyme:

• MM is found in normal serum.
• MB is the myocardial fraction associated with MI and occurs in certain other states. MB can be used in the estimation of infarct size.

MB increases have been reported with entities that cause damage to the myocardium, such as myocarditis and some cardiomyopathy. With extensive rhabdomyolysis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, malignant hyperthermia, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Reye syndrome. Rarely in rheumatoid arthritis with high titer RF., 2 CK-MB does not generally abruptly rise and fall in nonacute MI settings as in acute myocardial infarct (AMI).

• BB has been described as a marker for adenocarcinoma of the prostate, breast, ovary, colon, adenocarcinomas and gastrointestinal tract, and ic carcinoma of lung. BB has been reported with severe shock and hypothermia, infarction of the bowel, three brain injuries, stroke as a genetic marker in some families with malignant pyrexia, and MB in alcoholic myopathy. • BB is rarely present.

A single CK isoenzyme examination may be misleading. Exercise, intramuscular injections, myxedema, grand mal seizures, prior trauma or surgery, and acute MI very early or late lead to increased total CK but usually typical CK-MB. Increased CK-MB has been described in marathon runners without MI. CK isoenzyme analysis is not typically practical when the total CK is very low. However, in older adults with low muscle mass, sensitive mass concentration assays may be helpful.

Why Should You Order A CPK Test?

Doctors often recommend a CPK test in an emergency, such as when you're having severe chest pains. A CPK test is a quick way to detect heart attacks, heart injuries, issues with the heart muscle, and other similar problems.

At the same time, CPK is also found in skeletal muscle. If too much of a specific CPK isoenzyme is found in your body, this could indicate a disease affecting your muscles. For example, dermatomyositis is a disease mainly affecting your skin and muscles.

Elevated CPK levels might also indicate polymyositis, a condition that gradually weakens the muscles in your body. Some health issues also cause frequent muscle contractions; the only way to confirm a diagnosis is through a CPK test.

If you have heart, muscle, or lung symptoms that bother your daily life, a CPK test is highly recommended. In some cases, you might not have symptoms, but this test can help discover silent ailments before they get too serious.

What To Do if CPK Levels Are High?

As mentioned earlier, the only way you can tell if you have high CPK levels is through a blood test. If the results come back and your numbers don't fit the normal range, don't despair. There are many natural ways you can lower your CPK levels naturally.

I would also like to discuss your results with your doctor. Your primary healthcare provider might order additional tests to determine if you have a life-threatening disease. In the meantime, here's how you can gradually lower your CPK levels.

Lower Your Cholesterol Levels with Proper Dieting

Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by your liver; keeping your veins and arteries flexible and healthy is essential. It also participates in the process of building new body cells. However, too much of it can create deposits inside your blood vessels, and this might lead to heart disease and stroke.

If your CPK 2 levels are high, you should adjust your diet to reduce cholesterol and prevent further damage. For example, try eating foods that lower your cholesterol levels, such as oats, grapes, apples, beans, nuts, and strawberries.

Too much fat puts additional strain on your cardiovascular system. At the same time, you could also reduce the fat you eat daily. For example, switch to low-fat yogurt, avoid fatty cheese, and remove butter from your fridge.

Get an Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplement

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for your health and muscles. You can get this nutrient from fatty fish, nuts, and eggs, but most people need to get more of it through diet only. Consider taking a supplement to protect your heart against further damage.

Reduce Your Salt Intake

For many people, too much salt can lead to increased blood pressure. High blood pressure is a silent killer that can lead to heart disease and damage to the blood vessels. Try to reduce your salt intake as much as possible. Most foods already have enough salt added, so adding more yourself is okay.

Take a Break from Your Workouts

Frequent workouts where you push yourself to the limit increase the levels of CPK in your body. Believe it or not, it is possible to raise your CPK levels by working out too intensely for too long. You can reverse that by simply taking a break from your workouts.

Regular days of rest are highly recommended, even among top athletes. It would be best if you gave your body time to rest and recover. Taking a few days off from weights is usually enough to significantly reduce your CPK levels, at least for a while.

Now It's Time to Test Your CPK Levels

The CPK isoenzymes accurately predict damage to your lungs, heart, and muscles. It's essential to do this test and see how prone your body is to become ill shortly.

Go to Discountedlabs.com and order the CPK Test today! This supplier sells some of the most affordable blood tests out there, and you will get the results by email in just a few business days. It's that simple.