Checking your creatinine levels is one of the best ways to measure kidney health. Creatinine, a waste product from muscle activity, shows how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. According to the National Kidney Foundation, creatinine comes from protein digestion and normal muscle breakdown. Neither too much nor too little creatinine is good, as both can suggest underlying health problems.
We spoke with Dr Upal Sengupta, Director of Nephrology, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, to understand what high and low creatinine mean and what can be done to bring them to normal levels.
What Do High And Low Creatinine Levels Mean?
Dr Sengupta explained that creatinine levels themselves don’t have a fixed ‘high’ or ‘low’ definition and that the labs use different ranges, for example, 0.2–1.2 or 0.3–1.4. “The whole concept of keeping a check on creatinine is to make sure of proper kidney function because creatinine is a waste product generated by the muscles, and it’s usually excreted by the kidneys, he elaborated.
So, if the kidneys are not working properly, the creatinine will accumulate and increase in the body, indirectly indicating certain abnormalities in the functioning of the kidneys.
However, doctors now use the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a more accurate assessment of kidney function, Dr Sengupta noted, adding that GFR calculations use creatinine and sometimes Cystatin C, along with factors like age and gender.
He specified that a GFR above 60 generally indicates healthy kidney function, whereas for below 60, further evaluation is needed to determine the stage of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Symptoms of Abnormal Creatinine Levels
High creatinine, indicating low GFR and reduced kidney function, can cause symptoms like:
- Poor appetite
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Anaemia
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Swelling
Low creatinine levels, on the other hand, don’t usually cause specific symptoms. They may simply indicate low muscle mass, and the focus would be on increasing muscle mass.
Factors Affecting Creatinine Levels
According to Dr Sengupta, kidney function is the most important factor that affects the creatinine levels. If the creatinine function is low, the accumulation of the creatinine in the body and the blood will be very high, and if the creatinine is being excreted through urine, it indicates low levels of creatinine.
Muscle mass may also play a role. People with more muscle mass may naturally have slightly higher creatinine. Cystatin C measurements, used along with creatinine equations, can provide a more precise picture, especially for individuals with low muscle mass who might otherwise have a misleadingly high creatinine reading.
How Often Should You Check Your Creatinine Levels?
Dr Sengupta recommends that people with risk factors for kidney disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of kidney disease, or previously elevated creatinine, should monitor their creatinine levels every six months or more frequently as advised by their doctor.
Even those without risk factors should have a routine check-up, including creatinine levels, at least annually, especially given the rising prevalence of kidney disease.
Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Creatinine Levels
Maintaining healthy creatinine levels means maintaining healthy kidneys. This can be achieved through healthy lifestyle changes:
- Managing blood pressure and blood sugar
- Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Using medications cautiously
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting salt intake
Conclusion
Healthy creatinine levels are important for good kidney function. Regular checkups, especially if you’re at risk for kidney disease, can detect problems early. High creatinine may mean your kidneys aren’t working as well, but low levels often just mean low muscle mass. A healthy lifestyle, which includes staying hydrated, managing blood pressure and sugar, exercising, and eating well, supports kidney health. If you experience any symptoms associated with kidney problems, consult your doctor.