What is Creatine Kinase MB Isoenzyme?
Disease description:
Recently, I found that my creatine kinase, MB isoenzyme levels were elevated in my physical examination results, and I don't understand what this means. Could you please explain what creatine kinase MB isoenzyme is?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) is an isoenzyme of creatine kinase and is primarily present in heart muscle cells, exhibiting a high degree of specificity. When cardiac muscle cells are damaged, CK-MB is rapidly released into the bloodstream. Therefore, measuring its blood levels can help assess the extent of cardiac muscle damage. Normally, CK-MB levels in serum are extremely low, typically less than 0.05 U/L.
CK-MB testing is usually performed in patients suspected of having a myocardial infarction. Following a heart attack, CK-MB levels begin to rise within 4–6 hours and typically reach their peak between 12–24 hours, after which they gradually decline. Monitoring the trend of CK-MB changes can aid in diagnosing and evaluating the severity of myocardial damage.
The results of CK-MB testing should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms, electrocardiogram (ECG), and other cardiac biomarkers (such as troponin) to enhance diagnostic accuracy. If in doubt, prompt medical consultation is recommended.
