Creatine phosphokinase, or creatine kinase (CPK), is an important enzyme found in various organs and structures of the body, including the musculoskeletal system, the brain and the heart. It plays an important role in metabolism, but at high levels it can indicate damage to the brain, heart or muscle system. Fortunately, it is possible to lower CPK levels and improve overall health. However, consult your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and make sure you are receiving proper care.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Improving Health
Step 1. Try the Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is a very heart-healthy diet that limits the intake of salt, unhealthy fats and red meat. By increasing your consumption of plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and sources of healthy fats, you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Fish is an excellent source of protein to be included in the Mediterranean diet
Step 2. Choose foods that lower cholesterol
Foods that help reduce cholesterol also help prevent heart disease. Since high levels of CPK can indicate heart disease, further damage can be prevented by lowering cholesterol.
Foods that can bring down cholesterol include oats, beans, eggplant, okra, tree nuts, grapes, strawberries, apples, soy, and fatty fish
Step 3. Fill up on omega-3s to improve muscle health
Don't be fooled by the word "fat" - omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that help keep you physically healthy. They help decrease the risk of heart disease and increase good cholesterol levels.
You can get omega-3s by eating sardines, anchovies and salmon, as well as eggs, milk, dairy products, flax seeds and nuts
Step 4. Reduce your daily intake of fat and salt
Often, hypertension and heart disease develop in conjunction with rising CPK values. You can lower your blood pressure by limiting the amount of salt in food and reducing your fat intake. Opt for low-fat or non-fat dairy products, such as skim milk, yogurt, and low-fat cheeses. Avoid very fatty foods, such as butter, dips, and lard.
Step 5. Reduce your protein and creatine intake
Don't eat too much cooked meat as it contains large amounts of creatinine. Also, consider decreasing your intake of protein and creatine supplements as they risk raising your CPK levels. Rather, focus on more natural protein sources, such as lentils.
Excessive consumption of meat increases the risk that the test results will return a false positive or that the CPK value in the blood is actually elevated
Step 6. Eliminate alcohol from your diet
Drinking alcohol can increase CPK levels, so take it out of your diet or cut it down as much as possible.
Step 7. Eat more garlic to improve overall health
Garlic has long been known for its beneficial effects on the heart. It lowers blood pressure and inhibits platelet aggregation, thereby improving heart health.
Part 2 of 4: Organizing Physical Activity
Step 1. Exercise regularly to keep yourself healthy
Aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening, stretching, and exercises to increase flexibility promote physical well-being. Try to train at least 30 minutes a day for 5 or more days a week.
Step 2. Ask your doctor if your elevated CPK levels are due to you engaging in high-intensity physical activity
Another common cause of this problem is excessive training intensity. While exercise is recommended, a sudden increase in exertion or load can increase CPK production.
Weightlifting and downhill running dramatically increase CPK levels in the blood
Step 3. Avoid exercising on the day the CPK test is scheduled and 24 hours prior
Physical exertion favors a false positive result of this test. For this reason, do not practice physical activity the day before and the day of the blood sampling in the laboratory in order to avoid this risk.
Part 3 of 4: Avoid Some Drugs
Step 1. Ask your doctor if statins increase CPK values
Statins are drugs used to lower cholesterol. However, one of their side effects is rhabdomyolysis - the release of numerous compounds from damaged muscle cells into the bloodstream. Therefore, they increase the production of CPK.
This class of drugs includes atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Provisacor), pravastatin (Selectin), fluvastatin (Lescol) and simvastatin (Zocor)
Step 2. Keep in mind that other drugs are also capable of increasing CPK levels
The drugs listed above may be responsible for the increase in this enzyme, so if you are taking it, you should consult your doctor to find out if he can change drug therapy to treat your problem. Other medicines that can raise CPK levels include:
Some beta-blockers (including pindolol and carteolol), antipsychotics, fibrates, isotretinoin, zidovudine and colchicine
Step 3. Ask your doctor to change your prescription if needed
If you are taking any of the above medications and have experienced an increase in CPK, consider trying others. Consult your doctor, let him know about the problem and ask him if he can prescribe a different treatment for you.
If you can't change your medication, your doctor will tell you another way to lower your CPK levels
Part 4 of 4: Knowing When to Seek Medical Assistance
Step 1. Get a correct diagnosis if you don't know the cause of the problem
Since there are many causes for the increase in CPK values, it is likely that the doctor may take some time to come to a conclusion. However, there is a possibility that the cause may require immediate treatment to protect the patient's health, so it is important to get the diagnosis as soon as possible. Consult your doctor to find out about the treatments available to you.
- For example, the increase in CPK could be caused by an injury, an infection, a drug, or it could be due to a neuromuscular, metabolic, or rheumatic disease, such as arthritis or lupus.
- Some conditions are likely to worsen if the underlying cause is not treated.
Step 2. Ask your doctor for advice before using herbal compounds and supplements
Although they are generally safe, they are not suitable for everyone, especially if you already have drug therapies. They could interact with some molecules or worsen health conditions. To rule out any risks, consult your doctor before you start using them.
- Remind your doctor about the medications and supplements you are already taking.
- Tell him that you are trying to lower your CPK levels naturally. He may be able to help you by offering further advice.
Step 3. See your doctor if you have symptoms of myopathy
Myopathy is a disease that damages voluntary muscles. It may sound scary, but it is possible to treat it and improve your health. In some cases, it risks increasing CPK levels, as well as causing other symptoms. Go to your doctor's office if you notice a combination of the following symptoms:
- Muscle weakness
- Rash;
- Headache;
- Lung problems
- Heart problems
- Muscle imbalance;
- Delayed onset muscle reactions;
- Tingling or burning of the muscles
- Nodules on muscle fibers;
- Cognitive problems;
- Convulsions.
Step 4. Call emergency services if you have symptoms of a heart attack
Sometimes, increased CPK is linked to a high risk of heart attack, but don't worry as you can get treated. However, you must act immediately if the risk is indeed high. Go to the emergency room or get help if you experience the following symptoms:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Dyspnea;
- Pain that spreads to the jaw, neck, shoulder, arm, or back
- Nausea or heartburn
- Abdominal pain;
- Exhaustion;
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Cold sweats.
