From the Research
Neither CK nor CK-MB is appropriate for evaluating generalized body aches, as they are cardiac markers primarily used to detect heart muscle damage, particularly in diagnosing myocardial infarction (heart attack) 1. When considering the evaluation of generalized body aches, it's essential to prioritize tests that can help identify the underlying cause of the symptoms, which often stem from inflammatory conditions, infections, fibromyalgia, medication side effects, or metabolic disorders rather than cardiac issues. Some key points to consider include:
- The use of CK and CK-MB is not recommended for evaluating generalized body aches, as they lack specificity for cardiac damage and can lead to false positives 2, 3.
- More appropriate tests for generalized body aches include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Thyroid function tests
- Vitamin D levels
- Specific tests for suspected conditions like rheumatoid factor or antinuclear antibodies if autoimmune conditions are suspected
- The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the idea that CK and CK-MB are not necessary for evaluating generalized body aches and that their use can lead to unnecessary costs and potential misdiagnosis.
- A healthcare provider should be consulted to determine the best course of action for evaluating and treating generalized body aches, as they can order appropriate tests and consider non-laboratory approaches such as detailed history-taking and physical examination to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.