Abstract
CPK or creatine phosphokinase test determines muscle disease in specific. CPK is usually elevated in the conditions where the muscles of heart or brain are damaged resulting in various health hazards. When a particular group of muscles are damaged and leaking, it increases the level of CPK in blood. This article describes the significance of CPK, i.e. disease conditions in which it is increased and Ayurvedic management of this condition with the help of various herbo-mineral remedies.
Introduction
Creatine phosphokinase is an enzyme that is majorly found in the heart, brain and skeletal muscles. When any of these parts are damaged, there occurs leaking of CPK resulting in high CPK levels. Destruction of the muscles of the heart or brain causes high CPK. Creatine phosphokinase is of three types which is measured and evaluated, i.e. CPK located in the brain (CK-BB), located in the heart (CK-MB) and located in the skeletal muscles (CK-MM). Hence, with the presence of these specific CPK, one can determine the exact damaged part or tissue from three of them. More specific tests can be done accordingly and treatment for the condition is given. For example, in case of a heart attack, the CKP specifically the CK-MB gets elevated within a few hours of the attack. This raised level does not go down immediately and can be detected after 18-24 hours of the incidence as well. After the mentioned time, the level slowly starts to get down and attain the normal level. Hence, after finding the elevated level of CK-MB, troponin, more specific tests to confirm the diagnosis can be done.
Similarly, the other two levels CK-BB and CK-MM can be done in case of any trauma causing damage to skeletal muscles, other forms of muscle damage, stroke or other conditions damaging brain muscles or skeletal muscles.
Signs and Symptoms
Elevated levels of CPK can cause various signs and symptoms as per the underlying condition and it is usually raised in emergency conditions like stroke and heart attack, thus, must not be overlooked.
Symptoms involving cardiac system along with the increased level of creatine phosphokinase:
- Pain in chest
- Feeling of pressure on chest
- Breathing is heavy and difficult
- Radiating pain in the arm or sometimes jaw
- Feeling of dizziness
- Profuse perspiration
- Heart rate is increased which is also known as tachycardia
- Changes in vision or may be complete vision loss (temporary)
- Loss of consciousness
- Speech is slurred
- Pain and stiffness in muscles
- Numbness or weakness especially on one side of body
- General weakness
Causes
As we have already learned that damage to skeletal muscles, muscles of heart or brain results in high CPK. Now, let us see the specific disease condition which can cause it and the marker can help in their diagnosis:
- Myocarditis
- Myocardial infarction
- Stroke
- Polymyositis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Dermatomyositis
- Alcohol withdrawal resulting in delirium tremens
- Injury to the brain tissue
- Trauma
Treatment
First of all, it is necessary to know the exact cause of the raised CPK level (found out in the CPK test) and then the treatment should be started. If it is a case of any of the mentioned emergency conditions, then the patient should be stabilized first after that the treatment for the underlying cause is to be given.
Ayurveda can play a vital role in this condition as there are several herbs that work wonderfully on the heart, skeletal and brain muscles and helps in recovery from the damages caused as well as prevent the damage itself. Ayurveda has been used to treat various ailments since ages through natural modes of treatment and also have taught us all to live more naturally to maintain a general health.
Herbal Remedies By Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a well-known name in the field of herbal pharmaceuticals which deals in the herbal medicines and products that are used to treat various chronic and acute ailments. For high CPK, there are specific medicines which help to regain the normal level and mend the damage as well. All of these herbal remedies are free from any sort of chemicals, additives, colors, and yeast, etc. Each remedy is purely vegetarian, herbal and natural. Following are the Herbal Supplements recommended for this case:
Product list- Arjuna Capsule
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Neurogin Capsule
- Kaishore Guggul
- Navkarshik Churna
Product Description
1. Arjuna Capsule
Terminalia arjuna is the herb used in standardized extract form to prepare these amazing cardioprotective herbal capsules. This herb is widely known for its therapeutic action on the heart, hence Arjuna capsules help in rejuvenating the healthy muscles of the heart and also strengthen them against any future risk.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
2. Boswellia Curcumin
These herbal capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of two wonderful medicinal herbs, i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa- Curcumin is the active component of this herb). Boswellia curcumin capsules help in relieving the pain and weakness of muscles, numbness, and treat the damage caused to the muscles, naturally.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
3. Neurogin Capsule
As the name suggests Neurogin capsules strengthen the nerves and relieves their weakness. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are used in the standardized form in the formulation of these therapeutic capsules. Neurogin capsules help in treating paralysis, and work well on weakness and numbness, also strengthens the overall body.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
4. Kaishore Guggul
Herbs like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. are used for the preparation of Kaishore guggul herbal tablets. These tablets help in eliminating the toxins and harmful substances from the blood, relieves inflammation, regulates proper metabolism and have many more benefits. Also, in high CPK, it relieves the symptoms and prevents excessive damage to the muscles.
Dosage - Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.
5. Navkarshik Churna
The basic root cause of the elevated CPK can be treated with this churna. Navkarshik churna helps in maintaining healthy metabolism of the body and hence prevent the abnormal accumulation of toxins inside the body, which when not controlled can damage the heart muscles, the brain muscles or the skeletal muscles. This herbal churna complements the action of other remedies like Kaishore guggul and helps to treat the ailment. Various herbs like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica ), Neem (Azadirachta indica), etc. are used in this formulation.
Dosage - Take 1 teaspoon in evening after meals with plain water.
Conclusion
High CPK can be life threatening in many conditions, hence there should be proper treatment for it. All the details discussed about the test, its significance and Ayurvedic management will help in proper evaluation of the condition and management. So, stay connected to the Nature, prevent yourself and get rid of such diseases without any adverse effects.
