Elevated CPK

I am a 48 year male with high cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes.  I also have a pacemaker.  After receiving the pacemaker, numerous tests were conducted to see if I had any heart disease.  The cardiologist found nothing wrong and said that sometimes there are conduction problems that are unexplained.  That is the extent of any heart problems I have had.  I have always had a slow pulse.

Statins taken to control cholesterol have always ended up increasing my CPK levels.  I have gone off them from time to time and, after my CPK levels dropped, gone back on them.  Recently I went off the statins because my CPK level was around 430.  After being off of the statins for about two months, my CPK level actually went up to 640.  I was tested again last week (after another two weeks) and my CPK was 730.  My doctor just ordered an Aldolase test to see if that was normal.

I have frequent cramping and muscle tightness in my legs.  For the most part, that is the only area where I have any muscle problems.  I also recently started an exercise program and began playing tennis after about 15 years of not playing.  Each time I play tennis, I feel like I am pulling or straining muscles and am sore the next day.

Could my elevated CPK levels be something as simple as increasing exercise after years of doing minimal exercise?  I haven't mentioned the increased muscle stress to my doctor, but he is aware that I have increased my exercise routine dramatically.  

Any suggestion on how I should proceed or what I should be talking to my doctor about would be appreciated.

[mr_delta]

Hi Chris,

I am a 40 year old healthy male. I had symptoms of elevated CPK since the last  years + and I found that it was due to the fact that I had started exercising after almost years+. Also, I perspire a lot on a regular basis but my fluid intake was extremely low (less than 500 ml per day). I used to have Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS) 7-8 days after starting my exercises. My CPK level were around 500+.

As soon as I started drinking 2 to 3 litres of water a day, my CPK level has gone down below 150 and I am able to exercise regularly with just minor muscle soreness. If I reduce my water intake for 3-4 days I get some muscle soreness (noting unbearabe, but just noticeable).

I have never taken any meds for CPK and I think that increasing my water intake has helpmed me in reducing the CPK levels.

Hope this helps.

[grendslori]

The CPK levels can increase where muscle damage is occuring as well as being increased in persons who exercise heavily. if you are having cramps you might have your magnesium levels checked as that can be the cause of the problem.

[ValleyLily]

HI,
I'm new to this forum, but I know a little something about the causes of a high CPK.  Mine became elevated several years ago and after having every cardiac workup in the book ruled out, the doctors sought after other causes.  In my case, it's autoimmune related, meaning my own immune system is attacking my muscle tissue.  To clarify, the reason why the CPK also rises in the event of a heart attack is that the heart is ALSO muscle tissue, and so CPK is the enzyme which is released into the bloodstream from any injured muscle.  Excessive or strenuous excercise can "temporarily" cause a slight rise in healthy people.  A 730 CPK is around 7 times the norm.( 30-160) and should be further investigated.

Besides heart conditions,  yes, other causes are statin cholestoral drugs.  Why doctors don't always warn patients of this serious consequence beats me, but you know on that commercial when they quickly note to "report any muscle pain or weakness as this may be a rare but SERIOUS side effect?"  They fail to mention that it's called POLYMYOSITIS and more times than not is a chronic and serious condition that needs to be controlled with steroids or other immunosuppressant medications to prevent further deterioration.  Recent studies suggest that this may be caused by the fact that statin drugs can lower "Co-Enzyme Q10" levels.  Other research has shown that supplementing Co-Enzyme Q-10 can help counteract this condition in such case.  Less dangerous that steroids, so worth a try.

There are other blood tests which can also help rule out the cause of a high CPK, in addition to a muscle biopsy, which may or may not be conclusive. Pain, weakness, or soreness in the thighs or around the hips are classic symptoms.  

I can't tell you how many people around me are suddenly being diagnosed with this.... including my mother (not on statins) AND my mother- in- law (once on statins).  They were both treated with steroids as well, and have needed to continue to this day on maintenence doses.

Just some options to explore and rule out.