Creatinine is a by-product produced by the body when breaking down creatine. It is created in the liver and then excreted by the kidneys. A creatinine test is done to measure the level of creatinine in the blood to assess kidney function, as creatinine is a by-product of how well they work.
If the levels are too high, it may be a sign of kidney disease or acute kidney injury. This blog discusses blood creatinine and when to get medical attention.
What is creatinine?
Creatinine is a waste product that’s produced by your muscles. It’s filtered out of your blood by your kidneys and passed out in your urine. If your kidneys aren’t working correctly, creatinine can build up in your blood. This can cause problems including:
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
You will need to monitor the level of creatinine closely if you have kidney disease. Your doctor will likely do regular blood tests to check them. They may also recommend that you change your diet or take medication to help control the creatinine level in your blood.
Why are creatinine levels important?
The level of creatinine in your blood will increase when your kidney function decreases. That’s why they are essential. A creatinine test can give an early indication of kidney damage or disease. If you have a high level of creatinine, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor to diagnose and treat any underlying problems. A creatinine test price ranges between $23 – $25 and is not that expensive.
Signs You should get It checked
If your blood creatinine is consistently high, it’s time to see a doctor. High levels can be a sign of renal failure or other kidney problems. You should check it regularly for diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
What are creatinine levels checked for?
There are a few reasons your doctor may check them. First, creatinine is produced by muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Because of this, high levels of creatinine can be an indicator of kidney damage or disease. They can also give your doctor an estimate of how well your kidneys function.
How can you lower them?
You can do a few things to help lower your blood creatinine:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This will help your kidneys flush out the creatinine.
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt and fat. This will help reduce the amount of work your kidneys have to do.
- Exercise regularly. This will help improve blood flow and reduce the amount of creatinine in your blood.
- Take supplements such as creatine or carnitine. These can help improve muscle function and decrease the level in your blood.
What if it is too high?
If your creatinine levels are too high, it could be a sign of kidney damage. If you have kidney damage, it means that your kidneys are not able to filter your blood properly. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in your body and can make you feel very ill. If you have a high level of creatinine, you should see a doctor as soon as possible so that they can run some tests and determine the cause.
Conclusion
If your creatinine levels are consistently high, you must consult with a doctor to find out the underlying cause. Since it is a waste product your muscles produce, your kidneys typically excrete it. If your kidneys aren’t functioning correctly, creatinine can build up in your bloodstream and lead to serious health problems.
