Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB)
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CK-MB is an isoenzyme of Creatine Kinase (CK) that is primarily found in the heart muscle. It is released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells are damaged
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🧪 Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB)
Test Name | Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB) |
|---|---|
Sample Type | Serum (blood) |
Fasting Required | ❌ Not required (but often done alongside fasting tests) |
Typical Reference Range | < 5 ng/mL or < 3–5% of total CK (varies by lab) |
Turnaround Time | 4–8 hours (stat); 1 day (routine) |
Department | Cardiology / Emergency / Critical Care |
🧬 What is CK-MB?
CK-MB is an isoenzyme of Creatine Kinase (CK) that is primarily found in the heart muscle. It is released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells are damaged.
🫀 Why is the CK-MB Test Done?
Purpose | Explanation |
|---|---|
Detect heart attacks (myocardial infarction) | Rises 3–6 hours after heart damage, peaks ~24 hrs, returns to normal in 2–3 days |
Distinguish cardiac vs skeletal muscle injury | CK-MB is more specific to cardiac muscle than total CK |
Monitor for reinfarction | CK-MB rises again if a second heart attack occurs after initial event |
Evaluate chest pain | Rule out or confirm heart-related cause |
📈 Timeline of CK-MB After a Heart Attack
Time After MI (Heart Attack) | CK-MB Level |
|---|---|
3–6 hours | Begins to rise |
12–24 hours | Peaks |
2–3 days | Returns to normal |
🔍 Interpretation of Results
CK-MB Level | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|
🔻 Normal | No recent cardiac muscle injury |
🔺 Mildly Elevated | Minor heart strain, angina, or skeletal muscle injury |
🔺🔺 High | Acute Myocardial Infarction, cardiac trauma, myocarditis |
❗ Important: Always interpreted in conjunction with Troponin I/T, ECG, and clinical symptoms.
🧪 Tests Commonly Done Alongside
Test | Why It’s Done |
|---|---|
Troponin I or T | Most sensitive & specific for heart damage |
ECG (Electrocardiogram) | Detects electrical changes associated with MI |
Myoglobin | Early marker of muscle injury |
Total CK | Non-specific total creatine kinase levels |
LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) | Rises later; used to confirm recent MI |
⚠️ Limitations
- CK-MB can be falsely elevated in:
- Severe skeletal muscle injury
- Muscular dystrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Troponin is now preferred in many hospitals due to higher specificity and sensitivity.
🧠 Summary Table
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Organ Focus | Heart (Cardiac Muscle) |
Used For | Diagnosing and monitoring heart attack (MI) |
Time-Sensitive? | Yes – rises early, peaks fast, clears quickly |
Paired With | Troponin, ECG, LDH, Total CK |
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