CK, or creatine kinase, is a cardiac enzyme found mainly in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of skeletal and cardiac muscle. It is of great reference value in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.
Creatine kinase is also known as phosphocreatine kinase. It is most abundant in cardiac and skeletal muscle, and less abundant in brain tissue, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. Creatine kinase is found primarily in the cytoplasm and mitochondria and can be involved in intracellular energy transport, muscle contraction, and ATP regeneration.
Measurement of creatine kinase activity is important in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy or skeletal muscle disease. When myocardial infarction occurs, creatine kinase levels can rise rapidly in the body.
For example, in heart attack, creatine kinase can rise within 6 hours of the onset of the disease, can reach the highest value within 24 hours, and usually return to normal values in 3~4 days.