What happens when your creatinine levels are high, and how it affects your kidneys
High creatinine is a sign that our kidneys are under stress, and are not filtering waste as they should. High creatinine does not always mean damage, but simply means that it requires attention and follow‑up testing. Let's take a look...
What creatinine is and what “high” means
Creatinine is a waste product that the muscles make, when they use energy. The healthy kidneys take creatinine out of the blood, and transfer into the urine. When the blood creatinine level climbs above about 1.2 mg per deciliter in men, or above about 1.0 mg per deciliter in women, it usually signals kidney problems. Doctors pay attention, especially if the creatinine rise stays for a time, and is not caused by short‑term issues, like dehydration, or heavy exercise. High Creatinine is usually not a disease, but just a sign that kidneys may be struggling. Doctors often order the the estimated filtration rate (eGFR) test to see how well the kidneys work.
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Why creatinine goes up and what it means for your kidneys
High creatinine can happen for reasons, some mild, while the others are serious. High creatinine can also be caused by dehydration. High creatinine is caused by the kidney infections (pyelonephritis) or inflammation of the filters (glomerulonephritis). It can also be caused long term diabetes, blood pressure, and heart disease. This apart, high creatinine may also be caused by blocked urine flow from stones, or an enlarged prostate. When the kidneys are damaged or blocked, it cannot clear creatinine properly. The creatinine then builds up in the blood. More creatinine in the blood usually means kidney filtration, that raises the risk of kidney disease or kidney failure, if the problem is not treated.
Symptoms of high creatinine
People with high creatinine and early kidney damage usually display no symptoms, and is usually diagnosed through a blood test. When the kidney function gets worse, it can cause fluid retention, that can show up in the ankles, and the feet, apart from low urine output, and foamy urine. The reduced kidney function can bring fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, itching, muscle cramps and high blood pressure. In kidney failure, the symptoms are confusion, chest pain, trouble sleeping and very dry itchy skin. In more advanced kidney failure, symptoms can include confusion, chest pain, trouble sleeping and very dry, itchy skin, because waste and extra fluid are building up in the body and affecting many organs.
How is kidney damage diagnosed
If your creatinine is high, doctors usually confirm it with repeat blood tests and may check your creatinine clearance and eGFR, which estimate how much blood your kidneys filter each minute. They may also order a urine test to look for protein or blood, which are early signs of kidney damage, and might request an ultrasound scan to see if there is any blockage or structural problem. In some cases, especially when the cause is unclear or creatinine rises quickly, a kidney specialist (nephrologist) may suggest more detailed tests or even a kidney biopsy to understand the type and severity of disease and guide treatment.
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What high creatinine does to your body
The extended presence of elevated creatinine levels indicates that your kidneys fail to remove waste products and excess fluid, which damages your heart and blood vessels and causes bone and nerve problems. The failure to treat kidney disease results in chronic kidney disease, which can progress to kidney failure when eGFR levels drop below 15 and patients require either dialysis or kidney transplant for survival. The combination of diabetes and high blood pressure with elevated creatinine levels, increases your danger of experiencing heart attacks, and strokes, thus medical guidelines emphasise strict blood pressure and sugar management and scheduled kidney function tests for these patients.
Methods to decrease creatinine levels in the body
The treatment of creatinine elevation needs to identify its causes before starting any therapy, because number reduction alone does not solve the problem. Doctors will prescribe antibiotics to treat kidney infections and modify medications that harm the kidneys will be adjusted, and treatment will be given for urinary blockages, diabetes and blood pressure medications will be optimised to reduce kidney damage. Your kidney function will improve when you drink enough water according to your doctor's instructions, avoid taking too many painkillers containing NSAIDs, stop smoking, and reduce your consumption of salt and processed foods while following a balanced diet with appropriate protein levels. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or kidney disease family history, need to visit their doctor regularly for blood pressure checks, creatinine tests and urine examinations.
Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice
Healthy diet
To keep your kidneys healthy, consume a healthy diet. But what should a healthy diet constitute with preference to kidney health. A kidney-healthy diet, especially crucial for those with or at risk of kidney disease, should prioritize controlling the intake of sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, as compromised kidneys struggle to filter these effectively. This is best achieved by focusing on a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables (selecting lower-potassium options if advised), whole grains in moderation, and lean protein sources like poultry, fish, and plant-based options, while limiting the consumption of red meat.
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