Monitoring specific biomarkers during blood tests, such as Creatine Kinase (CK), which can provide valuable insights into your muscle health, allows for a better understanding of your overall health and wellbeing.
The role of CK in maintaining proper muscle function should be understood, and in this article, we will explore CK in depth, including what it is, why it is important, and how to monitor it, to ensure that you’re taking the best possible care.
What is Creatine Kinase (CK)?
Creatine kinase is an enzyme that is found in your muscles, CK is primarily used by your body to maintain proper muscle function, as it produces the energy within your muscles. When your muscles contract, CK aids in breaking down adenosine triphosphate (ATP), into adenosine diphosphate (ADP), which releases energy that your muscles need to perform properly.Types of Creatine Kinase
There are three main types of Creatine Kinase enzymes, the majority that is found in your blood comes from your skeletal muscles.
- CK-MM: Skeletal Muscles
- CK-MB: Heart Muscle
- CK-BB: Brain Tissue
Risks of Low Creatine Kinase Levels:
Reduced CK levels can be a cause for concern, as low levels of Creatine Kinase can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as a muscle or nerve disorder.
What causes low levels?
Because CK is in proportion to your total muscle mass, individuals who are older, or are unable to move as frequently, will have a lesser amount, those with autoimmune disorders can also suffer from reduced CK levels.
Factors that can affect CK Levels
- Exercise: Intense exercise, particularly resistance training or weightlifting, can cause a temporary rise in Creatine Kinase levels. Increases of CK typically are not a cause for concern, as they tend to return to normal levels within a few days.
- Medications: Medication like cholesterol lowering drugs, and anti-inflammatory drugs can cause elevated CK levels, if you are taking any medications, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any potential side effects, including changes to CK levels.
- Muscle Disorders: Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy and polymyositis, can cause chronically elevated CK levels. Your healthcare provider will monitor your CK levels regularly to assess the severity of the conditions and evaluate treatment options.
- Trauma: Increases in CK levels can also be caused through trauma or injuries to the muscles, such as from a car accident or fall, usually this is temporary.
- Other conditions: There are other conditions that can cause elevated CK levels, such as hypothyroidism and kidney disease. If you are ever worried reach out to your doctor so that they can interpret any blood test results and can accurately identify and underlying conditions.
Managing Creatine Kinase Levels
What are normal CK levels?
Normal ranges in adults can vary due to several factors such as sex, ethnicity, and the amount of physical activity completed.
The normal level of Creatine Kinase approximately ranges between:
- Women: 25-200 U/L
- Men: 40-320 U/L
We offer blood tests such as a Sports Performance Blood Test, that measures Creatine Kinase alongside other markers, more related tests are available below.
Exercise in Moderation
Any intense physical activity or exercise can cause Creatine Kinase levels to rise. Therefore, it is essential to engage in moderate physical activity, and then gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercise over a period of time.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause increased CK levels, drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity.
Get Enough Rest
Allowing the body to rest and recover after physical activity aids in preventing damage and injury to the muscles, incorporate stretching and massage techniques to help hasten the recovery.
Follow a Healthy Diet
A healthy and balanced diet can aid in preventing any muscle damage and injury, by consuming foods that are high in protein, such as lean meats, fish, and legumes, it can aid in muscle recovery and development.Are Creatinine and Creatine Kinase related?
While both Creatinine and Creatine Kinase are related to the functions of muscle and metabolism, they are not directly related to each other. Creatinine is a waste product of Creatine, a molecule that helps to supply energy to the muscles during exercise. Therefore, Creatinine is produced by a breakdown of Creatine in the muscles and is removed by the kidneys.
Whereas Creatine Kinase is an enzyme, found in muscle tissue, that is responsible for the breakdown of creatine phosphate to produce energy during muscle contraction. Elevated levels of CK in the blood can be an indication of muscle damage, injury, or certain medical conditions.
Creatinine and CK are also measured differently, and have separate reference ranges, Creatinine is measured in blood or urine tests, while CK is typically measured through a blood test.
Our Blood Tests:
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Sports performance blood test
This blood test is useful for monitoring biomarkers associated with athletic performance including testosterone, creatine kinase, liver and kidney function and much more... Also, one Free online GP appointment included with this test upon request.
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Ultimate Sports Performance blood test (Female)
This blood test can help with monitoring your fitness and your performance goals, this type of test can be critical in achieving specific sports performance targets. Many biomarkers are measured that are associated with athletic performance. One Free online GP appointment included with this test upon request.
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