What causes high creatinine levels?
Disease description:
My father is 49 years old this year, and he used to smoke and drink alcohol regularly. Recently, he experienced unexplained general weakness, so he went to the hospital for a checkup. The result showed elevated creatinine levels. Therefore, I would like to know what causes elevated creatinine levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Elevated creatinine levels typically reflect a decline in kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism and is normally filtered and excreted from the body by the kidneys. Below are some common causes that may lead to elevated creatinine levels:
1. Renal insufficiency: When kidney function is impaired, the kidneys' ability to excrete creatinine decreases, resulting in elevated blood creatinine levels.
2. Glomerulonephritis: This condition may affect the glomerular filtration function, reducing creatinine excretion.
3. Dehydration: Severe dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their normal function.
4. Hypertension and diabetes: Both conditions are among the primary causes of chronic kidney disease, which can subsequently lead to elevated creatinine levels.
5. Urinary tract obstruction: This may increase pressure within the renal capsule and reduce the glomerular filtration rate, thereby affecting creatinine excretion.
6. Muscle diseases or injuries: For example, rhabdomyolysis, in which the breakdown of large amounts of muscle tissue releases creatine kinase, which is then converted into creatinine, causing a rapid increase in creatinine levels.
