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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes High Levels Of Creatine Kinase?

I am 46 years of age and have been treated for benign hypertension since age 20 with antihypertensives. I am currently taking a combination of lisinopril 40 mg and metoprolol 100 mg once daily. For the last ten years or so I have taken lipitor 10mg. I am 6'00 and 275, I have not consumed alcohol for over three years nor any form of tobacco for over a year. In spite of my weight, I am a "half marathoner' and just recently got into Cross-Fit...Cross-Fit has made a huge difference in my muscular development. I recently had routing labwork done, and all of my CMP, Lipids came back withing expected range. My CK level though, is 432...what the hell!?! I have no symptoms other than the results of the lab...should I be worried.
Thu, 4 Sep 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,
since you mention no symptoms and the only lab value that falls out of range is the creatine kinase, you should not be worried. After a bout of cross-fit or intense running you're supposed to have some creatine kinase elevation. This is normal. Taking statin drugs (like atorvastatin) does not help either since statins cause some sort of muscle damage - although a minor one in most cases. A follow up measurement in a couple of days will make things clear.
You should get worried if levels rise three times above the highest normal value (as indicated by the laboratory) - or more - or if symptoms appear. Symptoms usually appear as muscle pain or muscle weakness. A clinical hint for a very high creatine kinase level is red discoloration of the urine - like if there's blood in it.
If you happen to notice anything like that, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Should you have any more questions on that matter, please don't hesitate to ask again.
Kind Regards!
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What Causes High Levels Of Creatine Kinase?

Hello, since you mention no symptoms and the only lab value that falls out of range is the creatine kinase, you should not be worried. After a bout of cross-fit or intense running you re supposed to have some creatine kinase elevation. This is normal. Taking statin drugs (like atorvastatin) does not help either since statins cause some sort of muscle damage - although a minor one in most cases. A follow up measurement in a couple of days will make things clear. You should get worried if levels rise three times above the highest normal value (as indicated by the laboratory) - or more - or if symptoms appear. Symptoms usually appear as muscle pain or muscle weakness. A clinical hint for a very high creatine kinase level is red discoloration of the urine - like if there s blood in it. If you happen to notice anything like that, you should contact your doctor immediately. Should you have any more questions on that matter, please don t hesitate to ask again. Kind Regards!