Will creatine kinase levels keep varying for a bodybuilder like me?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a sportsperson. I like to train hard, and I have prepared for many years in weight-lifting and bodybuilding. I took a blood test a few days ago, and I have had a too high CK level of 13000 IU/L, and the doctor told me to take it easy, but I cannot. Again, I tested my blood, and the CK was normal. What does this mean? And I cannot stay home without training. What can I do? Kindly help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you are a weight lifter and a bodybuilder, and you had a history of high CK (creatine kinase) levels, but that was normal on a repeat test. Serum CK levels may increase for many reasons: after a heart attack, skeletal muscle injury, alcohol consumption, certain medications or supplements, strenuous exercises, etc. But within 24 hours after a strenuous exercise, serum CK level may elevate more than 30 times the normal range of CK. Then over the next seven days or so, the elevated CK value may decline gradually. This kind of CK elevation usually depends on the duration and type of exercise. In the case of a weight lifter and bodybuilder like you, a sudden rise of serum CK value is not abnormal after strenuous exercises. Kindly revert in case of further queries. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply. I am scared to train hard. Can I train hard now after the normal CK level? Kindly help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
As your current CK (Creatine kinase) value is normal, you can train hard gradually. Sudden strenuous exercises may elevate CK value. So, I suggest you gradually increase the level or grade of the exercises to avoid any further sudden rise of CK levels. Kindly revert in case of further queries. Thank you.
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