Have you ever looked at your blood test results and wondered what "creatinine" means? It's more than just a medical term; it’s a vital clue to your kidney health. Creatinine is a natural waste product created by your muscles from the breakdown of a compound called creatine. Healthy kidneys act as a super-efficient filter, removing this waste from your blood. A creatinine level test, therefore, is a simple and direct way to check how well your kidneys are performing their crucial job.
Understanding your results is key. High creatinine levels often suggest your kidneys aren't filtering waste effectively, which could be due to various reasons. On the other hand, low creatinine levels are less common but can also indicate specific health issues. It’s important to know that factors like age, sex, and muscle mass naturally influence your levels.
- Causes for High Creatinine:
- Kidney damage, infection, or chronic disease.
- Dehydration.
- A high-protein diet or use of creatine supplements.
- Intense, heavy exercise.
- Causes for Low Creatinine:
- Low muscle mass (can be age-related).
- Severe liver disease.
- A very low-protein diet or malnutrition.
- Pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a normal creatinine level?
A: Generally, for adult men, a normal level is about 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL. For adult women, it's typically 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL. These ranges can vary slightly by lab and individual factors.
Q: Is creatinine related to the supplement creatine?
A: Yes. Taking creatine supplements to build muscle can increase the amount of creatinine in your blood and urine. It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking them before a test.
Q: What’s the difference between creatinine and creatine kinase (CK)?
A: While they sound similar, they are different tests. A creatinine test measures kidney function. A creatine kinase (CK) test measures a muscle enzyme that leaks into the blood when muscle is damaged.
