Where is creatine kinase produced

Tietz Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests. Fourth edition. Edited by Wu AHB. Louis, Saunders Elsevier, ; Crit Care Apr;9 2 Morandi L, Angelini C, Prelle A, et al: High plasma creatine kinase: review of the literature and proposal for a diagnostic algorithm.

Neurol Sci Nov 5 Skip to main content. Register Sign In. CK-MB is the substance that rises if your heart muscle is damaged. CK-MM rises with other muscle damage. CK-BB is found mostly in the brain. If this test shows that your CK levels are high, you may have muscle or heart damage. Your healthcare provider may order this test if you may have muscle damage or injury. But because levels of this protein may not peak for up to 2 days after certain injuries, you may need to have this test several times to see if your heart or other muscles have been damaged.

You may also need this test if you have chest pain or weakness and your healthcare provider wants to see t if you've had a heart attack. If you are taking statin medicines and have unusual muscle cramping and pain or muscle weakness, your healthcare provider may also order a CK test. Statin medicines are used to treat high cholesterol. They sometimes cause serious muscle injury.

In very rare cases, they can even lead to a rapid, life-threatening muscle breakdown. Your healthcare provider may order other tests to find out if you have had muscle injury or a heart attack. If you have had a heart attack, your healthcare provider may order a blood test to look for high levels of cardiac troponin.

This is another protein found in your heart. This is because cardiac troponin is more sensitive and more specific. Or the healthcare provider may order tests to see how you are recovering.

These tests include:. These diseases include: Muscular dystrophy , a rare inherited disease that causes weakness, breakdown, and loss of function of skeletal muscles. It mostly occurs in males. Rhabdomyolis, a rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. It can be caused by a serious injury, muscle disease, or other disorder. Why do I need a CK test? You may need a CK test if you have symptoms of a muscular disorder. What happens during a CK test?

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? You don't need any special preparations for a CK test. Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? To get more information, your provider may order tests to check the levels of specific CK enzymes: If you have higher than normal CK-MM enzymes, it may mean you have a muscle injury or disease, such as muscular dystrophy or rhabdomyolis.

If you have higher than normal CK-MB enzymes, it may mean you have an inflammation of the heart muscle or are having or recently had a heart attack. If you have higher than normal CK-BB enzymes, it may mean you have had a stroke or brain injury.

Other conditions that can cause higher than normal CK levels include: Blood clots Infections Hormonal disorders, including disorders of the thyroid and adrenal glands Lengthy surgery Certain medicines Strenuous exercise If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.

Is there anything else I need to know about a CK test? References Cedars-Sinai [Internet]. Los Angeles: Cedars-Sinai; c Neuromuscular Disorders; [cited June 12]; [about 2 screens].