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Suggest Treatment For Elevated CPK Levels
Posted on
Sun, 27 Aug 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 27 Aug 2017
Answered on
Mon, 18 Sep 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I have a high CPK 691 (norm is 29-43. Recently tested for Hgb showed low count and haven't heard yet what that test result is. What could be causing my tired feeling?I had a heart attack in May and recovering from that. My cardiologist prescribed lisinopril, metoprolol and low-dose aspirin and I take this along with daily vitamins in the a.m. I had been on atorvastatin but found I was unable to handle that due to severe muscle cramps. I am noting some bowel changes but no blood in the stool.
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that these CPK levels could be related to atorvastatin adverse effects (myopathy).
You should know that CPK is an enzyme present in many organs, but mainly in the muscles.
Muscle cramps are known to be an adverse effect of atorvastatin (as of all statins) and they are associated to high CPK levels.
The tiredness is also a sign of atorvastatin induced myopathy.
For this reason, I would recommend stopping taking statins as soon as possible. Your situation (CPK levels and muscle cramps) will improve gradually spontaneously.
Regarding your low Hemoglobin levels and low red blood cell count, you should know that they are indicative of anemia.
Tiredness can be related to anemia too. But anemia is not related to any adverse effects of your current therapy (besides aspirin, which can cause gastro-intestinal bleeding).
What color are your stool? If you have had stomach pain or black stool lately it could be indicative of a gastro-intestinal bleeding. In such case a stool analysis for traces of blood, coupled with a GI endoscopy would be necessary.
I would also recommend performing further tests to investigate for the possible causes of anemia:
- Iron plasma levels
- vitamin B12 and folic acid levels
- PCR and fibrinogen levels for chronic inflammation
- a urine analysis for urinary tract bleeding.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that these CPK levels could be related to atorvastatin adverse effects (myopathy).
You should know that CPK is an enzyme present in many organs, but mainly in the muscles.
Muscle cramps are known to be an adverse effect of atorvastatin (as of all statins) and they are associated to high CPK levels.
The tiredness is also a sign of atorvastatin induced myopathy.
For this reason, I would recommend stopping taking statins as soon as possible. Your situation (CPK levels and muscle cramps) will improve gradually spontaneously.
Regarding your low Hemoglobin levels and low red blood cell count, you should know that they are indicative of anemia.
Tiredness can be related to anemia too. But anemia is not related to any adverse effects of your current therapy (besides aspirin, which can cause gastro-intestinal bleeding).
What color are your stool? If you have had stomach pain or black stool lately it could be indicative of a gastro-intestinal bleeding. In such case a stool analysis for traces of blood, coupled with a GI endoscopy would be necessary.
I would also recommend performing further tests to investigate for the possible causes of anemia:
- Iron plasma levels
- vitamin B12 and folic acid levels
- PCR and fibrinogen levels for chronic inflammation
- a urine analysis for urinary tract bleeding.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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