Why high levels of creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product of the muscles. In a healthy body, the kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and excrete it through the urine. High levels of creatinine can indicate kidney issues.

In this article, we explore what creatinine is and what can cause high levels. We also look at symptoms of high creatinine, when to worry about creatinine levels, and the treatment options. Creatinine is a byproduct of normal muscle function. It is a metabolite of creatine phosphate, which the muscles use as an energy source.

For this reason, males tend to have higher creatinine levels than females. The primary way in which the body removes creatinine from the blood is by filtration through the kidneys and then excretion in the urine. The creatinine levels that experts consider to be normal may vary among different hospitals and laboratories.

Doctors take a blood sample to test creatinine levels. They then use a formula to estimate creatinine clearance. In some cases, they may also request that the individual collects all of their urine over 24 hours and brings it to the laboratory. The doctor can then compare the urinary creatinine level with that of the blood. These results show how much creatinine the kidneys are filtering out of the body and how well they are functioning. High creatinine levels usually indicate that the kidneys are not working as they should.

Possible causes of this dysfunction include:. Outside of kidney function, several other factors can temporarily raise creatinine levels above normal. These include dehydration and consuming large amounts of protein — either through food sources or nutritional supplements. High intensity exercise can also increase certain blood biomarkers, including creatinine. A person undergoing a creatinine test should let the doctor know if they are taking any medications, fasting, or adhering to a protein-rich diet.

Certain medicines can cause a temporary increase in serum creatinine levels or damage the kidneys. Some health conditions can also damage these organs, leading to increased creatinine levels. These conditions include:. Antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, diuretics, and some other medications can cause kidney damage and affect how well the kidneys function. An untreated kidney infection can damage the kidneys, and, in extreme cases, it can even cause kidney failure.

In people with diabetes , blood sugar levels can become too high, leading to health problems, including kidney disease. The temporary elevation of creatinine can be due to the intake of various medications, large amounts of proteins or red meat, large amounts of physical activities or dehydration but the condition can be more serious if there is kidney impairment involved as the underlying cause of high creatinine levels.

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Genetics Packages. DNAwise Wellness. Some examples include antibiotics for a kidney infection or medications that help control high blood pressure.

In cases of kidney failure, dialysis may be required in addition to medications to help filter toxins and waste products from your blood. In severe cases or end-stage cases, a kidney transplant may be required. Creatinine is a chemical waste product of creatine, an amino acid made by the liver and stored in the liver.

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You only need one functioning kidney to live an active, healthy life. That said, if you only have one kidney, it's important to protect it.

Learn more…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Symptoms of High Creatinine Levels. Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.

Normal and high ranges. What your high results could mean. Symptoms that can accompany high creatinine. When to see a doctor. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.