When you go for your annual checkup, the doctor will typically take blood and urine samples. One of the things they will usually examine is your creatinine levels. This is because your creatinine levels can provide important information about kidney function and overall health. It is quite normal for your creatinine levels to fluctuate due to factors such as muscle mass, age, and activity level. However, consistently high or low levels could be an indication of an underlying health issue. Understanding when to worry about high and low creatinine levels is essential to maintaining optimal health.
Understanding Creatinine
Creatinine is a natural waste product that builds up in your blood as your muscles work. Creatine helps your muscles create energy when you move big objects or work out at a high-intensity level. Your body produces creatinine at a steady rate, and if your kidneys are healthy, then most of it is filtered out. Your doctor can assess how well your kidneys are functioning by checking the creatinine levels in your blood and comparing them to the normal range. [1] Creatinine can be produced by the body itself, from your diet, and from the breakdown of cells.
Creatinine and Kidney Function
Your kidneys are part of your urinary tract and play several important functions. This includes blood filtration, liquid and nutrient maintenance, and the creation of hormones responsible for controlling blood pressure. [2] When your creatinine levels are high, it typically means that your kidneys are in a bad state. It is a sign that your body isn’t properly ridding itself of bodily toxins. When creatinine levels are normal, it is an indication that your kidneys are properly filtering toxins from the blood. On the other hand, low levels could indicate liver disease or muscle loss.
Read More: Risk Factors & Early Warning Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease
What Are Normal Creatinine Levels?
Normal levels range between 0.7 and 1.2 milligrams per decilitre. However, they can differ quite substantially from one individual to another. [3] Several variables influence a person’s normal creatinine levels. Since creatinine is produced by skeletal muscle cells, your baseline creatinine level is influenced by your overall size and muscle mass. Bodybuilders typically have greater levels, while women tend to have somewhat lower creatinine levels. Ideally, your levels should not vary significantly over time.
High Creatinine Levels
Fatigue, swelling, changes in urine, nausea, and muscular cramping are among the symptoms of elevated creatinine levels associated with kidney dysfunction. [4] However, high creatinine levels do not necessarily indicate kidney issues. Certain variables such as muscular injuries, creatine supplementation, high muscle mass, and a protein-rich diet can all cause elevated levels. Consulting with your healthcare practitioner is essential, as they will evaluate test results, the rate of increase, and any underlying medical conditions in order to identify the cause of the increase.
Read More: 10 Common Habits That May Harm Your Kidneys
Low Creatinine Levels
Low levels can result from pregnancy, vegetarianism, muscle loss, or certain medications. Medications like H2 blockers and some antibiotics can also affect one’s creatinine levels. Frail individuals with muscle loss may also have low creatinine levels. This does not necessarily indicate good kidney function but rather could be caused by reduced muscle mass. Low levels usually doesn’t cause symptoms directly. However, reduced muscle function can result in fatigue, weakness, and impaired mobility. In most cases, low creatinine isn’t too much to be concerned about. However, extremely low levels could be an indication of malnutrition or severe muscle loss. In these cases, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine what is causing the low levels.
How to Control Abnormal Levels
Slightly increased creatinine readings or a reduced GFR are not usually reason for concern, particularly with regard to age-related kidney function loss. It is possible to maintain or improve kidney function by quitting smoking, losing weight, avoiding unnecessary medicines, controlling blood pressure, and managing blood sugar levels. Regular medical visits are necessary for the early diagnosis of kidney-related diseases. Once the source of the reduced kidney function has been determined, your doctor can devise a plan for treatment. This could involve blood pressure or diabetic drugs, which might help reduce or avoid subsequent damage to your kidneys.
The Bottom Line
Your creatinine levels are a useful indicator of the kidney’s functioning and general health. While levels can fluctuate because of factors such as muscle mass, food, and aging, consistently high or low levels may indicate a health problem. A high level may indicate kidney issues, whereas a low level might indicate muscle loss or malnutrition. However, many of the issues associated with high and low creatinine levels can be avoided. Quitting smoking, regulating your blood pressure, and visiting your doctor on a regular basis can all help you maintain good kidney health.
Read More: What Are Staghorn Kidney Stones? (Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment)
Sources
- “Creatinine (Blood).” URMC
- “Urinary System.” Cleveland Clinic
- https://www.medicinenet.com/creatinine_blood_test/article.htm
- “Chronic Kidney Disease.” MSD Manuals. Anna Malkina, MD
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.