What Are CPK Muscle Enzymes?
Creatine phosphokinase, or CPK, is an enzyme that is present in the heart, brain and skeletal muscles. CPK is more commonly known as creatine kinase, or CK. CK is released from the cells of these tissues when they are injured or do not receive enough oxygen. Therefore, your doctor probably won’t order it unless he or she thinks there is damage to one of these tissues.
