Creatine Kinase

MusculoskeletalBone & MuscleBlood

CK (Creatine Kinase) is found primarily in skeletal muscle, heart, and brain. It is a sensitive marker for muscle injury.

Why it matters: Commonly elevated after intense exercise or statin use. Very high CK (rhabdomyolysis) can cause kidney damage.

Reference Range
30.0 – 200.0U/L
30
200LowNormalHigh
Symptoms of High Creatine Kinase
Muscle pain
Dark urine
Weakness
What Moves It

May increase with:

Intense exercise
Muscle injury
Heart attack
Rhabdomyolysis
Statin use

May decrease with:

Low muscle mass
Sedentary lifestyle
Associated Conditions
RhabdomyolysisMyocardial infarctionMuscular dystrophyStatin myopathy
Related Markers
LDHASTmyoglobin
Common questions

What is Creatine Kinase?

CK (Creatine Kinase) is found primarily in skeletal muscle, heart, and brain. It is a sensitive marker for muscle injury.

What might a high or low Creatine Kinase mean?

Commonly elevated after intense exercise or statin use. Very high CK (rhabdomyolysis) can cause kidney damage.

What is the typical reference range for Creatine Kinase?

The general-population reference range shown here is 30 – 200 U/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Creatine Kinase?

It may be higher with: Intense exercise, Muscle injury, Heart attack, Rhabdomyolysis, Statin use. It may be lower with: Low muscle mass, Sedentary lifestyle.

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