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Originally Posted by biglarry
I began taking lipitor in early May 2005.
cardiologist in early July 2005 - my cholesterol was 160
muscle enzyme level was 358.
Should I continue taking the lipitor
- the internist told me to consult with the cardiolosist.
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Hi Big Larry,
Elevated CK (CPK) not only indicates muscle damage, but can indicate liver and/or brain damage.
Your doctors need to get off their duffs and get to the bottom of your elevate CK.
If your total cholesterol is 160, you do not need Lipitor or any other cholesterol lowering drug.
Print the info below and take to your doctors.
Frankie
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From Heart Center Online:
Creatine kinase
Also known as creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine kinase (CK) is a cardiac enzyme that helps convert creatine to creatinine, a reaction that is necessary for metabolism and energy production. Creatine kinase is made up of three important isoenzymes:
CK-BB (CK1). Exists primarily in the brain. CK-BB can be an important indicator of tissue damage in the brain from stroke, trauma or other causes.
CK-MB (CK2). The primary indicator used to diagnose a heart attack because it exists in the highest amount in the heart. If CK-MB makes up more than 5 percent of a total CK level, a heart attack is suspected. CK-MB rarely rises following chest pain caused by angina, pulmonary embolism or heart failure, making it a valuable tool for determining whether a heart attack is the cause of chest pain. Furthermore, if one part of CK-MB (CK-MB2) is greater than another part (CK-MB1) by a ratio of 1.5 or more, then this is another indication that a heart attack has occurred. CK-MB levels can also be used after balloon angioplasty and other catheter-based techniques. Studies have shown an increased risk of sudden cardiac death with higher CK-MB levels after these procedures.
CK-MM (CK3). Exists primarily in skeletal muscle.
Creatine kinase tests may measure total CK levels or may break out the individual levels of CK-BB, CK-MB and CK-MM. Normal results are as follows:
Total creatine kinase level (CK total). Normal levels are 25 to 130 micrograms per liter for men and 10 to 150 micrograms per liter for women. CK levels may be much higher in very muscular people and infants up to one year may have levels up to four times the normal adult level. According to the American College of Cardiology, total CK levels should not be used in the diagnosis of heart attack. Instead, the College recommends that physicians rely on the more sensitive CK-MB levels, which are specific to the heart.
CK-BB. Unless tissue damage in the brain has occurred, CK-BB levels will be undetectable.
CK-MB. Normal range is from undetectable to 7 micrograms per liter.
CK-MM. Normal range is from 5 to 70 micrograms per liter.
http://heart.healthcentersonline.com/bloodtest/EnzymeTest4.cfm
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Understanding cardiac enzyme test results
Higher than normal enzyme levels indicates tissue damage in one or more areas of the body. Conditions that may have caused the damage include (but are not limited to) the following:
Heart attack. An event that results in permanent heart damage or death. It is also known as a myocardial infarction, because part of the heart muscle myocardium may literally die (infarction). It is caused by a lengthy or severe episode in which the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. Over time, the accumulated effects of tissue damage from a heart attack can lead to heart failure.
Cardiac ischemia. A temporary episode in which part of the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
Stroke. An event in which the brain does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, as a result of either an obstructing blood clot in a major artery (e.g., one of the carotid arteries) or excessive bleeding into the brain cerebral hemorrhage.
Pericarditis. An inflammation of the pericardium – a thin, fluid-filled sac surrounding the heart.
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy. An enlargement, stiffening or thickening of the heart muscle due to excessive consumption of alcohol. As a result, the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood is often weakened.
Low blood pressure hypotension.
Heart failure. A serious condition in which the heart is not pumping well enough to meet the body’s demand for oxygen. It gets its name because the heart is failing to pump efficiently, which often results in congestion in the lungs.
Coronary artery disease. A chronic disease in which there is a “hardening” atherosclerosis of the arteries on the surface of the heart. The term “hardening” refers to a condition that causes the arteries to become so narrowed and stiff that they block the free flow of blood. Many patients have symptoms such as chest pain, pressure or discomfort angina, but other patients have no warning signs at all before a total blockage occurs, which can lead to heart attacks.
Platelet disorders. Platelets are components in blood necessary to the formation of blood clots.
Muscular dystrophy. A progressive, often inherited disease characterized by the deterioration of muscle.
Hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid gland that leads to a deficiency of thyroid hormone in the body.
Hypokalemia. A deficiency of potassium in the blood.
Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Seizures or convulsions.
Pulmonary infarction (lung tissue death).
Leukemia, lymphoma or brain cancer.
Hemolytic anemia. A type of anemia (red blood cell deficiency) caused by the premature destruction of red blood cells.
Liver, kidney or pancreas disorders.
Trauma from accident, injury or electric shock.
Lower than normal enzyme levels may indicate:
Malnutrition. Inadequate nutrition that may be caused by either an unbalanced diet or malabsorption – a condition in which the body has difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients from food.
Congenital enzyme disorder. Metabolic disorders present from birth that produce a deficiency in one or more enzymes.
http://heart.healthcentersonline.com/bloodtest/EnzymeTest8.cfm
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