Increases in both serum creatinine and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) after percutaneous coronary intervention are associated with increased risk for late adverse cardiovascular events. In 5,397 patients, the strength of the association of each with late events and the risk factors for each of these markers were compared. A postprocedural increase in creatinine was a more powerful predictor of late mortality than an increase in CK-MB. Risk factors for an increase in creatinine are similar to those for contrast-induced nephropathy, suggesting that vulnerability to such injury may identify patients with increased risk for late mortality.