The Creatine Phospho Kinase (CPK) test is a blood test used to measure the levels of CPK, an enzyme found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. When any of these tissues are damaged, CPK is released into the bloodstream. The CPK test is used to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the muscles or heart, such as heart attacks, muscular dystrophy, and rhabdomyolysis. Elevated CPK levels may indicate muscle or heart damage, but other factors such as exercise, trauma, and certain medications can also cause elevated levels. The CPK test is often performed in combination with other cardiac and muscle enzyme tests, such as CK-MB and myoglobin, to provide a more complete picture of tissue damage. The CPK test is a useful tool in the diagnosis and management of muscle and heart disorders.
