What does it mean to have high blood creatinine levels?
Recently, during a routine physical examination, I found that my blood creatinine level was slightly elevated. I would like to ask what might be the cause of this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Elevated blood creatinine levels may be caused by various factors, including the following possible causes:
1. Acute kidney injury: Sudden kidney damage due to various reasons, such as drug toxicity, infection, or ischemia, can cause a rapid increase in blood creatinine levels.
2. Chronic kidney disease: Long-standing kidney problems, such as diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive kidney damage, or glomerulonephritis, can gradually impair kidney function, leading to persistently elevated blood creatinine levels.
3. Dehydration: Severe dehydration can reduce blood volume, decreasing renal blood flow and affecting the kidneys' filtration function, indirectly causing an increase in blood creatinine levels.
4. Diet: Inadequate fluid intake or consumption of diuretic foods may lead to elevated blood creatinine levels.
5. Age: Long-term physiological decline in function may weaken kidney function, resulting in increased creatinine levels.
6. High-protein diet: A large intake of protein increases creatinine production from protein metabolism, thereby raising blood creatinine levels.
If elevated blood creatinine levels persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, prompt medical attention is advised.
