What does the measurement of creatine kinase (CK) levels in the blood assess?

The measurement of creatine kinase (CK) levels in the blood is primarily used to assess heart muscle damage. CK is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the heart, skeletal muscles, and brain, but its specific significance in relation to heart health is well established. Elevated levels of CK in the blood often indicate myocardial injury, such as that seen in conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack) or myocarditis.

When heart muscle cells are damaged, they release CK into the bloodstream, leading to increased serum levels which can be detected through laboratory testing. This biomarker is crucial in the diagnosis and management of cardiac events because it helps differentiate between types of muscle injury and guides treatment decisions. Therefore, the significance of CK levels is most closely associated with assessing cardiac health and damage.