How high is too high for creatine kinase?

In rhabdomyolysis, the CK levels can range anywhere from 10 000 to 200 000 or even higher. The higher the CK levels, the greater will be the renal damage and associated complications.

What happens if your CK levels are too high?

CK stands for creatine kinase, an enzyme that leaks out of damaged muscle. When elevated CK levels are found in a blood sample, it usually means muscle is being destroyed by some abnormal process, such as a muscular dystrophy or inflammation.

What causes high levels of creatine kinase?

Any condition that causes muscle damage and/or interferes with muscle energy production or use can cause an increase in CK. For example, strenuous exercise and inflammation of muscles, called myositis, can increase CK as can muscle diseases (myopathies) such as muscular dystrophy.

What causes a high creatine level?

High creatinine levels are often caused by kidney damage, which prevents normal elimination of creatinine through the urine. But high levels may also occur with blockage of the urinary tract, certain medical conditions, creatine supplements and some medications and chemicals.

What are the risks of high creatine levels?

Recently, elevated creatinine levels in infants were associated with bacteremia while elevated levels in adult males have been linked to incresed risk of prostate cancer . Early kidney disease is a silent problem, like high blood pressure, and does not have any symptoms. People may have CKD but not know it because they do not feel sick.

What does an elevated total creatine kinase mean?

Creatine Kinase (CK) For example, strenuous exercise and inflammation of muscles, called myositis, can increase CK as can muscle diseases (myopathies) such as muscular dystrophy. Rhabdomyolysis, an extreme breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, is associated with significantly elevated levels of CK.

What does it mean to have a high CPK level?

High CPK levels can mean that a tissue has been damaged due to a person suffering a heart attack, stroke, or head injury. Elevated CPK levels in a blood test could also show up if a person has hypothyroidism, takes statins for a long time, or has an autoimmune condition.