The kidneys are the primary filtration system of the body that help to remove the waste products from the blood and excrete them via urine. The blood in our body flows through the kidneys pushing the waste through tiny filters called glomeruli (tiny structures in the form of blood vessels and body cells). Generally, our kidneys send most of the fluid back into the bloodstream. The waste products that are not reabsorbed by kidneys come out from the body as urine. The rate at which kidneys filter the fluids is called GFR or glomerular filtration rate.  It is equal to the total filtration rates of the functioning nephrons in the kidneys. GFR is inversely related to serum creatinine and the standard way to measure the GFR rate is through a simple blood test that aims to look at creatinine levels.

Also Read: Acute Kidney Failure: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Every human being has creatinine in their bloodstream. Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the digestion of dietary protein and through the normal breakdown of creatine phosphate from muscle and protein metabolism. Since the primary use of a creatinine test is to measure the functioning of the kidneys, by comparing the creatinine level in urine with the creatinine level in the blood, the glomerular filtration rate is detected. Having high creatinine levels in urine or blood can be indicative of kidney disease. Since early-stage kidney disease does not usually show any symptoms, a GFR may be advised at a later stage and when the patient is at higher risk of chronic diabetes, high blood pressure, urinary tract issues, heart problems, and kidney failure.

Also Read: Glomerular Filtration Rate Test: Why Is It Needed And What To Expect?

If the kidneys are not functioning properly, a wide range of symptoms will show up that indicate mild to chronic kidney infections. Some infection symptoms to look out for are:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle cramps
  • Urination that is frequent or painful
  • Bloody or dark-colored urine
  • Bad odor in the urine
  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea
  • Frequent vomiting

What Causes Creatinine Elevation?

Causes of elevated creatinine levels are an indication of a potential health problem such as:

What Does Creatinine Test Involve?

There are two ways to check creatinine- serum and urine creatinine. A serum creatinine test determines creatinine in the blood. A sample of blood is collected from a vein in your arm and is then sent to a laboratory for further analysis. While urine creatinine testing can detect the total amount of creatinine in the urine produced in the last 24 hours’ time. This sample is compared to the amount of creatinine in your blood. The results determine the amount of waste that is being filtered out of your body and the efficiency levels of the kidneys. Sometimes, the amount of creatinine in your blood may not determine overall kidney health because the level of creatinine in your blood is affected by age, race, gender, and body type. Therefore, along with creatinine levels, the best way to know if your kidneys are working properly is by looking at the glomerular filtration rate. In some cases, Cystatin C may also be advised.

Also Read: Cystatin C Test: What Is It And What To Expect?

Ways To Lower Your Creatinine Levels

To lower elevated creatinine levels, the doctor may recommend following a healthy lifestyle and making changes to the diet. Cutting back on strenuous exercises but frequent walking is generally advised. In case the patient has been taking creatine supplements, mostly they will be stopped until the creatinine levels come down. To help prevent damage to the kidneys, managing other health conditions that can affect kidney function (like high blood pressure or diabetes) is essential. If the tests indicate kidney failure, the doctors may advise other treatment plans like dialysis or a kidney transplant.