The CPK (creatine phosphokinase) blood test is used to detect muscle inflammation that may exist somewhere in the body. For those who are taking a statin medication, this blood test can help to determine if a serious side effect known as rhabdomyolysis has occurred. It can also be used to monitor or evaluate muscle damage or wasting that has already been diagnosed.
The issue with muscle damage that is related to CPK is that there may not be any specific symptoms associated with the condition. When there are symptoms, they can often be non-specific in nature. A fever, muscle weakness, and nausea are the most common symptoms experienced when there is inflammation or wasting happening to muscle tissues. Some people may also notice pain and tenderness when a muscle has been affected.
Ethanol and cocaine abuse can also create similar symptoms to rhabdomyolysis that can be detected by the CPK blood test. It may also be used to discover if a heart attack has occurred, but this is usually for individuals who may have suffered a second heart attack after a first attack. If chest pain is happening and all other tests are normal, the CPK blood test may be ordered to rule out a heart issue.
When To Talk About the CPK Blood Test With a Doctor
Whenever there is unusual muscle pain or chronic fatigue happening without relief, a visit to the doctor may be necessary. This is especially true if the muscle pain is associated with statin or cocaine use. This pain may encompass a joint and create symptoms that are similar to gout, which would require a different treatment protocol.
Whenever muscle pain is accompanied by a fever, then the CPK blood test is a good thing to consider. Any exposure to a substance that may result in muscle inflammation or damage may also be a good time to follow-up with a doctor about this test.
What Do the CPK Blood Test Results Mean?
When there are high CPK levels, then this generally indicates that muscle damage has happened. Test results will usually peak as the damage is happening and then begin to subside when the damage stops. Regular testing after a positive CPK blood test can help to monitor a person’s health and determine if the damage is ongoing or not.
Normal levels indicate no inflammation or damage is happening. When there are increased levels that are mild to moderate in nature, then this may indicate a recent muscle-related injury or a heart attack. When levels drop and then rise again with serial testing, then this is usually an indication that ongoing muscle tissue and fiber destruction is happening. Moderate levels are also seen after a strenuous workout or after playing contact sports.
It is possible for muscle destruction to have happened in the past and still have a normal CPK blood test result.
When test results are severely high, often defined as being 100x or more above normal levels, then this generally indicates rhabdomyolysis has occurred.
Here’s What You Need To Know
Most people will have increased CPK levels at some point in their lives without there being a corresponding health issue. Weight lifting can cause a moderate spike in levels that may last for several days at a time. People who follow a regular workout schedule will usually have higher CPK levels than those who do not exercise regularly.
Certain genetic diseases will also naturally increase CPK levels in the blood. This is especially true for people who are diagnosed with Kennedy disease, which is indicated by a pronounced wasting of the muscles in the arms and legs in men only.
Any kind of muscle damage increases CPK levels. Even receiving a vaccination or vitamin shot will increase levels temporarily. People who have a greater muscle mass will also see higher spikes when damage occurs and have naturally higher normal rates.
Women who have just become pregnant may also experience high CPK levels even without the presence of an active muscle injury.
The CPK blood test helps medical providers make sure a serious health risk is not active. Rhabdomyolysis can be life threatening if left untreated, as can muscle damage that occurs at severe levels from drug abuse or injury. If you are taking a statin, then this test may be ordered periodically as a preventative measure. Speak with your doctor today about the benefits of this test and if it may be right for you.