cpk high bloodwork

My grandfather is 77 years old and recently had at cpk test that was 545H. As I have researched why this is possible nothing makes sense. Heart test are good, has not drank alcohol in over 30 years, no intermuscular injections. He is a fairly large woman, he is about 235 lbs. and swims about 4 times a week.

[J.M. Keyes, MD]

Hi there.
First, I apologize for how long it has taken me to respond to this question.  I hope it finds you well.
Heart issues are not the only cause of an increase in CPK.  The enzyme is also released by skeletal muscle.  The most common reason to randomly check this in someone's bloodwork is if they are on certain cholesterol medications (in the same group as Lipitor, Crestor, etc), as these can cause break down in muscle tissue as a side effect, releasing this enzyme into the blood   Your grandfather should make sure to follow up with the health care provider who ordered the test, and have it repeated and/or have further testing done.  If he is on one of these medications, he should ask his doctor about discontinuing it until he can get in to have the test repeated.
JMK MD

[kaki605]

Because of aches and pains, my primary care physician ordered a panel of blood tests and all was normal except for the CPK which was 117. He gave me an antibiotic and after a week, checked the CPK again and found it to be 139. He wants me to see a rheumatologist but an available appointment will be months away. I am 75 and have been on Vytorin for at least 5 years as well as Actonel. My bone scan last year was good for someone my age. What should I do while waiting to see an arthritis doctor? How serious could this be?

[peterg066]

A related discussion, cpk measurements was started.