CPK is short for the enzyme called creatine phosphokinase or creatine kinase. Enzymes are molecules made up of amino acids that we can find in the body as part of different tissues. We found three different types of creatine kinase, depending on the area of the body where they are found. That of the brain, called CPK-BB; that of the heart, CPK-MB; and that of muscles, CPK-MM. However, almost all of the creatine phosphinase in the body is found in the muscles, about 99%.
The function of CPK is to accelerate and stimulate the release of energy by the muscles so that they work normally, but it also works in the heart and brain. Given the role it plays in the functioning of the body, the values that we present do not serve to assess whether there is any type of alteration in these organs. Hence the importance of knowing the normal values of CPK in the blood in order to evaluate these conditions and start a suitable treatment.
Table of Contents
CPK normal values
Before explaining what are the normal parameters in which you should place yourself, we must tell you under what circumstances a blood test that includes creatine phosphokinase is prescribed and some factors to take into account when analyzing the results.
On the one hand, these analyzes are usually done when the existence of some pathologies that affect the organs that we have mentioned above is suspected, or known for sure, for example, myocardial infarction, muscular disorders or meningitis. On the other hand, depending on the technique used by that specific laboratory, the results may also vary , as well as the reference values used.
Beyond these observations, normal blood CPK values are usually as follows:
- In men : it is between 0 and 195 IU / l.
- In women : it is between 0 and 170 IU / l.
High CPK
If you have been diagnosed with high levels of creatine phosphokinase, it may be due to multiple factors. Depending on the type of CPK that the tests have yielded, it is possible to define the area of the body that is releasing it in too much quantity, whether the heart, the brain or the muscles. In the latter case, it may be due to too intense physical exercise, repetitive trauma at the muscle level, muscle diseases and medical tests such as injections or biopsies. But there are many other diseases and pathologies that can manifest themselves through increased levels of CPK. We will name them below:
- Myocardial infarction
- Metabolic myopathy
- Breathalyzer
- Glucogenosis
- Malignant hyperthermia
- Meningitis
- Hypothyroidism
- Tumors in the prostate, ovary, and chest
- Certain medications, we will explain them later.
- Head trauma
- Polymiositis
- Reye syndrome
- Delirium tremens and seizures
- Muscular dystrophy
- Pulmonary infarction
- Pericarditis
It is a normal situation for newborns to have high levels of CPK in the blood.
Low CPK
As you can see in the section on normal values of creatine phosphokinase, it is normal that we have very low concentrations of this enzyme in the blood, so it generally does not suppose any health problem that it is very low. However, it is true that the consumption of anticoagulant drugs can cause CPK levels in the blood to decrease.
How blood CPK is determined
Creatine phosphokinase levels in the blood are determined by a complete blood count , but unlike other blood tests, this does not require the person to fast. Recent surgeries, vigorous exercise, surgery, and trauma are among the things that can alter CPK levels.
Among the drugs that can also alter levels we find:
- Amphotericin B
- Ampicillin
- Anesthetics
- Anticoagulants
- Aspirin
- Clofibrato
- Dexamethasone
- Furosemide
- Morphine
Blood extraction can be done both in the medical office and clinic and at the patient’s home, as it is a simple procedure that does not require too much work. You just have to find an appropriate vein, generally those located in the elbow flexure, and by means of a latex rubber around the arm, make them much more visible. At that time, with a syringe and extraction tube, the necessary quantity, just 10 milliliters, will be aspirated and taken to the laboratory where it will be analyzed using biochemical techniques.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Normal values of CPK in blood , we recommend that you enter our category of Blood, heart and circulation .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.