CPU high because database queries
When database queries are expensive, they often cause both database CPU and application CPU to spike.
Common symptoms
- CPU rises with query volume
- Database process dominates the process table
- API latency follows query patterns
Likely causes
- Expensive queries without indexes
- Large sequential scans
- Connection or worker pressure
Evidence to look for
Database PID remains top CPU
Disk metrics rise during query windows
Specific endpoints correlate with spikes
What it usually means
Database work amplifies load through both compute cost and IO pressure.
What to do next
- 1Review and optimize hot queries
- 2Add appropriate indexes
- 3Check whether storage latency is contributing
See what's causing your CPU
cpum.ai turns CPU, process, disk, and memory signals into plain-English explanations with evidence.
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