What does high creatinine in the kidneys mean?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xinju
Introduction
High creatinine in the kidneys refers to elevated blood creatinine levels, meaning the concentration of creatinine in the blood exceeds the normal range. Creatinine is a metabolic byproduct of muscle activity and is normally filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys and excreted from the body. Measuring blood creatinine levels helps assess kidney function and assists doctors in diagnosing kidney diseases such as glomerulonephritis, kidney stones, and nephrotic syndrome.
Generally speaking, high renal creatinine refers to elevated blood creatinine levels, meaning the concentration of creatinine in the blood exceeds the normal range. A detailed analysis is as follows:
Creatinine is a metabolic byproduct of muscle activity. Creatinine in the blood is normally filtered out of the body by the kidneys. Measuring blood creatinine levels helps assess kidney function and assists doctors in diagnosing kidney diseases. Blood creatinine levels may temporarily rise after consuming large amounts of high-protein foods or engaging in intense physical exercise; this is considered a normal physiological phenomenon. However, certain medical conditions can also lead to elevated blood creatinine levels. Common examples include glomerulonephritis, kidney stones, and nephrotic syndrome. To confirm a diagnosis, however, clinicians must combine blood creatinine results with other laboratory tests and imaging studies. Therefore, elevated blood creatinine alone cannot be used to definitively diagnose kidney disease.
When elevated blood creatinine is caused by an underlying disease, treatment should target the specific cause. During treatment, patients need to cooperate with their physicians to monitor changes in blood creatinine levels, which helps evaluate the effectiveness of disease management.
