Values on creatine kinase | The Creatine Kinase

Values on creatine kinase

The creatine kinase values tell us how high the concentration of the enzyme is in the blood serum. However, it is not the absolute concentration that is measured, but the activity of the enzyme. This is calculated by the amount of converted substrate per minute.

The result is given in units (U) per liter of substrate (L). The reference values can vary from laboratory to laboratory, as there are different methods of measurement. The following reference values are often used for measurements at 37°: For men the creatine kinase value is in the normal range if it is below 190 U/L; for women the creatine kinase value should be below 170 U/L.

Since there are sometimes strong daily and seasonal fluctuations and various factors (such as sports, medication) can influence creatine kinase values, the values must always be interpreted by a physician. In addition, creatine kinase values must be analyzed in conjunction with other blood values and over time. This means that elevated creatine kinase values do not necessarily have to be a disease value.

Typical examples of elevated creatine kinase levels without a disease value are muscle ache, post-surgery conditions or postpartum. However, creatine kinase levels are often used to make a diagnosis. First of all, the general creatine kinase value is considered.

If it is too high, the various subtypes are determined and analyzed. Depending on which of these values is too high, a conclusion can then be drawn about the respective site of damage. Too low creatine values, on the other hand, have no disease value. This may also be of interest to you:

  • For example, if this is the CK-MB value, it indicates a heart condition such as heart attack, heart muscle inflammation or coronary heart disease.
  • Other diseases in which the determination of CK values is elementary are Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, hereditary muscle diseases or congenital amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
  • But creatine kinase levels are also higher in acute injuries, electrical accidents or injections in the muscles.
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  • Function of creatine