Creatine Kinase (CPK) Total, Serum LabCorp

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. It is tested by taking a blood sample. High CPK can indicate muscle destruction, heart attacks, central nervous system issues, and others. Long-term exposure of high CPK can load up the kidneys and may cause muscle loss and weakness. A CPK blood test is usually not included in standard lab work, unless it's asked for. In some instances, there are no noticeable symptoms when CPK is elevated, but the majority of the time body aches and soreness occurs. To ensure elevated CPK is not induced by heavy exercise, do not exercise for 5 days and have another test completed after that. Some medications may also increase CPK. Among them are: amphotercin B, ampicillin, some anesthetics, blood thinners, aspirin, clofibrate, dexamethasone, furosemide, alcohol, and cocaine. HIV medications have also been reported to increase CPK in some patients. Low thyroid function may also be a cause of elevated CPK.