What causes high muscle enzymes?

High muscle enzyme levels are the result of damaged muscle tissue releasing enzymes into the blood or liver. Muscle damage can be caused by neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy.

Potential liver and muscle damage may be assessed by examining the enzymes in the blood. The liver and muscles contain differing enzymes that are released into the blood when they are damaged. By identifying these enzymes through tests, the exact location and cause of organ or muscle damage may be discovered. Some conditions such as acid maltase deficiency and debrancher enzyme deficiency affect both muscle and liver tissues, prompting further examination of the blood.