Creatine Kinase Isoenzyme MB

High levels of Creatine Kinase Isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) in your blood could indicate that your heart muscle has been damaged. This damage could be due to a heart attack, but other conditions can also cause an increase in CK-MB levels. For instance, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), a rapid increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis), or certain medications like statins or cocaine can also cause a rise in CK-MB levels. It's also possible for strenuous exercise or muscle injury to cause a temporary increase in CK-MB. Therefore, a high CK-MB level is not a definitive sign of a heart attack, but rather a clue that further investigation is needed to pinpoint the exact cause of the heart muscle damage.

Symptoms of high levels of CK-MB could include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, or rapid or irregular heartbeats. However, it's important to note that high CK-MB levels themselves do not cause symptoms; these symptoms are associated with the underlying conditions that cause CK-MB levels to rise.

Low levels of CK-MB, a protein mostly found in your heart muscles, typically indicate a healthy heart. This protein is usually present in small amounts in your blood, but can increase if your heart is damaged, such as during a heart attack. However, low levels don't necessarily mean there's no heart damage, as other factors can influence CK-MB levels. For instance, certain medications, like statins used for managing cholesterol levels, can potentially lower CK-MB levels. Additionally, conditions like kidney disease or liver disease can also affect these levels. Therefore, a low CK-MB level is not a definitive sign of a healthy heart, but rather one piece of the puzzle in understanding your overall heart health.

Symptoms of low levels of Creatine Kinase Isoenzyme MB are typically not noticeable, as this condition does not usually cause any specific symptoms.