CK-MB - Creatine kinase-MB

Generality

Serum creatine kinase-MB, more simply CK-MB, is an isoenzyme of creatine kinase, concentrated mainly in the heart muscle. Consequently, CK-MB values ​​in the blood can be measured to monitor the health of the heart.

Creatine kinase is the enzyme that catalyzes both the formation of ATP starting from creatine phosphate and ADP, and the reverse process. It is therefore essential for the energy processes that take place inside the body.

What's this

MB creatine kinase (CK-MB) is found mainly in heart cells, while it is localized to a lesser extent in skeletal muscle cells.
CK-MB is released by heart cells and is detectable in the blood in significant concentrations when heart damage occurs.

Because it is measured

The creatine kinase (CK) enzyme test measures its total concentration, but does not distinguish between the different types of isoenzymes. Therefore, following an increase in the CK value, the determination of the MB isoform makes it possible to distinguish whether this increase it is due to damage to the skeletal or heart muscle.

In particular, if the CK-MB is very high, it is likely that the patient has had a heart attack or a significant pathological event has occurred in the heart.
The test may be ordered at regular intervals when the patient experiences severe chest pain or if the diagnosis is unclear due to nonspecific symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath;
• Fatigue;
• Dizziness;
• Nausea.