Dr.sanaz bellucci
May 16, 2023
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What Causes Creatinine Levels To Go Up And Down?
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Note: This article is only to guide and increase your knowledge. Before taking any action, you can consult “drhealthandbeauty” doctors or your doctor for treatment.
Creatinine levels in the blood can indicate various health conditions, especially related to kidney function. Understanding what causes creatinine levels to fluctuate is critical to maintaining good health and detecting potential problems in the early stages.
Blood creatinine is one of the waste materials that reaches the kidneys through the blood and is removed from the body. Therefore, high blood creatinine levels can be a sign of kidney disease. If the average amount of blood creatinine is high, it means kidney failure, and dialysis should be done. These waste materials are produced by using muscles and eating a lot of protein.
If the kidneys are not working correctly, the symptoms of high blood creatinine will be shown to you. In the blood creatinine test, the average amount of blood creatinine is measured, and the kidney function is checked so that if it is high, the necessary measures can be taken to immediately treat high creatinine.
In this article from Drhealthandbeauty by Dr.Sanaz, we explore the factors that affect creatinine levels, from physiological processes to lifestyle choices.
Table of Contents
What does the amount of creatine tell us?
Creatine is a substance in human muscle that, when the muscles break down creatine phosphate (an energy source used during muscle contraction), a waste product called creatine is created from the breakdown of creatinine.
An average level of blood creatinine indicates the accurate functioning of the kidneys. Therefore, the blood creatinine test is performed to check the health of the kidneys.
Purification of creatinine (which is a waste material) from the blood is done by the kidneys and a unit called a nephron, and its excretion from the body through urine. An increase in the level of creatinine in the blood is often a sign of kidney dysfunction because it shows that the kidneys have difficulty in purifying and excreting it.
Let’s first learn about high blood creatinine levels
Effective factors in increasing creatinine levels
When the average amount of creatinine in the blood is higher, it indicates that the creatinine is not excreted and there is a problem in the kidney function. Sometimes, other medical problems and unhealthy diets can be the cause of high blood creatinine levels. Below are some other factors that increase blood creatinine:
- Dehydration: When the body is dehydrated, there is less blood flow to the kidneys, which leads to a decrease in filtration and a higher concentration of creatinine in the blood.
- Obstruction of the urinary tract
- High protein diet
- Taking some drugs such as cimetidine
- Kidney problems such as kidney infection or damage to this organ
- low blood flow to the kidney due to congestive heart failure and complications of shock or diabetes
Here, it is better to point out that congestive heart failure is one of the serious problems that, in addition to reducing the blood flow to the kidney, has other very serious problems. Therefore, with answering the question: What Causes Congestive Heart Failure? You will be able to Avoid serious problems.
Note: If the cause of increased blood creatinine is kidney problems such as kidney infection, for immediate treatment of high creatinine, the disease must be treated so that blood creatinine decreases over time.
One of the important causes of chronic kidney problems is diabetes and high blood pressure. Things like high protein in the diet and dehydration can also falsely or temporarily increase the level of blood creatinine, and by correcting the function, you can reach the average level of blood creatinine.
Related: “Insulin Function In Diabetes. Is It An Effective Treatment?“
Medical conditions affecting increased creatinine levels
Acute kidney injury (AKI)
AKI is a sudden disorder in kidney function due to various reasons, such as severe infections, dehydration, or exposure to nephrotoxic substances, resulting in increased creatinine levels.
Glomerulonephritis
It is an inflammation of the filtering units of the kidney (glomerulus) that can impair kidney function and increase creatinine levels.
Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic nephropathy; this condition indirectly increases the level of creatinine by damaging the kidneys and disrupting the proper functioning of the kidneys.
blood pressure
This disease also leads to an increase in creatinine indirectly by affecting the proper functioning of the kidneys.
Rhabdomyolysis
This disease causes the release of large amounts of creatinine in the bloodstream by breaking down muscle tissue.
Urinary tract obstruction:
This complication is caused by various causes, such as kidney stones or tumors. Over time, it will cause urine backup and increase creatinine levels.
Kidney stones are a kidney disorder that can be treated in the early stages of formation. It is enough to know that: What Are The First Signs Of Kidney Stone? And act quickly in treating it.
Drugs that increase creatinine levels
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen will decrease blood flow to the kidneys, thereby impairing their function and increasing creatinine levels.
Naproxen not only reduces the blood flow to the kidneys and can have other serious side effects, but it is also one of the drugs that are prohibited to be used in cases of heart failure. In the article “What Drugs Should Be Avoided In Heart Failure?” We have reviewed them in detail.
So, it is essential to pay attention to the fact that people who use these drugs must be continuously and regularly under the supervision of a doctor to adjust the appropriate dosage.
Specific antibiotics
Antibiotics such as aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin) and vancomycin can be nephrotoxic and increase creatinine levels.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs
Although ACE inhibitors and ARBs (used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure) may initially increase creatinine levels, they have been helpful in many cases in the long-term management of kidney disease.
Chemotherapy agents
We must say that some chemotherapy drugs are toxic to the kidneys and can result in an increase in creatinine levels. Therefore, regular and accurate interaction with the treating physician is necessary.
Diuretics
Excessive use or inappropriate use of diuretics can lead to dehydration and reduced kidney function, thereby increasing creatinine levels.
Cyclosporine and tacrolimus
For people who have had organ transplant surgery, these drugs that suppress the immune system are used to prevent the organ from being rejected by the body’s immune system. One of its side effects can be kidney damage and an increase in creatinine levels.
In that regard, we must say that people who had kidney transplant surgery. They should perform the Kidney Transplant Aftercare properly and be regularly visited by a doctor to ensure the proper functioning of the kidneys by adjusting the immunosuppressant drugs and checking their blood creatinine levels.
Effects of diet on increased creatinine levels
Protein intake and creatinine production: High protein diets can increase creatinine production and lead to higher blood levels. However, this does not necessarily indicate kidney damage.
The important thing is that foods such as meat contain creatine, which is converted into creatinine during metabolism. Therefore, if they are consumed in excess, they will temporarily increase the level of creatinine. Thus, maintaining a balanced diet, keeping the body hydrated, and moderation in protein consumption will be a great help in stabilizing blood creatinine levels.
The noteworthy point is that during pregnancy, according to the needs of the body, pregnant mothers should consume protein-rich foods. An issue that can raise the level of creatinine in their blood and lead to kidney problems for pregnant women.
In the article “Top 10 High Protein Snacks For Pregnant“, we have brought the best high protein snacks that keep blood creatinine level balanced. But we advise you to consult your doctor in every case due to the importance of pregnancy.
Creatine supplements can also increase creatinine levels, as creatine is converted to creatinine in the body.
Muscle mass and activity
Rhabdomyolysis: This condition refers to a condition in which muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, which in turn leads to the release of large amounts of creatinine into the bloodstream.
High muscle mass: People with more muscle mass naturally produce more creatinine, which can lead to higher baseline levels.
Other factors
Age: Aging can decrease kidney function, so older people may have higher creatinine levels.
Gender: Considering that men usually have more muscle mass than women, they will have a higher creatinine level.
What are the symptoms of high blood creatinine?
The symptoms are related to the cause of increased blood creatinine. If its increase is due to dehydration or diet, there are no specific symptoms. But when this condition is caused by kidney problems, a person experiences kidney pain, and the following symptoms appear:
- Feeling dehydrated
- tiredness
- insomnia
- loss of appetite
- Urinating more or less than usual
- swelling
- Shortness of breath
- confusion
- nausea and vomiting
- Neuropathy
- skin dryness
What is the sign of high blood creatinine?
Kidney problems in the early stages, like high blood pressure, have no symptoms. The disease can be diagnosed only by conducting a blood test and checking factors such as blood creatinine. If the amount of creatine in the test is higher than usual, it is probably a sign of kidney disease. In the kidney function test, other factors should be checked to make the diagnosis more accurate.
Let’s learn a little about low blood creatinine levels
Factors affecting the excessive reduction of blood creatinine levels
Creatinine levels can decrease below the average and permissible range due to various medical conditions and physiological changes. While low creatinine levels are generally less worrisome than high levels, and concerns about creatinine levels usually focus on being high, they can still show underlying health issues that may require attention.
Factors that can lead to excessively low creatinine levels include:
Decreased muscle mass
Muscular wasting diseases: Some medical complications cause the patient’s muscles to atrophy, which will lead to a decrease in blood creatinine levels.
- Some of these diseases and medical conditions are muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and myasthenia gravis.
- Long-term immobility: People who are forced to stay in bed for long periods of immobility or rest due to illness or severe injury may experience muscle atrophy and a subsequent decrease in creatinine levels.
Old age
Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia): You should know that the natural thing that happens with age is the loss of muscle mass. This condition, known as sarcopenia, reduces creatinine production. That is why the emphasis on muscle sports is more serious after the age of 50 and with increasing age.
Severe liver disease
Liver failure and cirrhosis: You should know that the liver has an essential role in the production of creatine, which is converted into creatinine in the muscles. Therefore, with severe liver disease, this process will be disturbed, and the level of creatinine will decrease.
Malnutrition and food factors
- Protein-energy malnutrition: Muscles need certain amounts of protein and calories to grow. Therefore, if there is a disturbance in the intake of protein and calories by the muscles, it will lead to muscle atrophy and, as a result, a decrease in creatinine production. This is often seen in conditions such as anorexia nervosa and severe, prolonged illness.
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- Vegetarian or vegetarian diets: It is better to know that creatine is a substance that is usually found in animal products. Therefore, people who have vegetarian or vegan diets will not get enough creatine, which will cause a slight decrease in creatinine levels.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body increases blood volume and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which can dilute creatinine concentration and decrease serum creatinine levels.
Related: “10 Best Protein-Rich Foods for Pregnant Vegetarians“
Chronic diseases and conditions
- COPDD: Patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) often experience muscle wasting due to chronic hypoxia and reduced physical activity, which leads to a decrease in creatinine levels. By reading the article “How To Treat COPD Symptoms?” You will be able to get rid of breathing problems and as a result, your blood creatinine level will remain at a balanced level.
- Congestive heart failure: In patients with congestive heart failure, muscle wasting, and improper nutrition can be seen, both of which can lead to a decrease in creatinine levels.
What are the symptoms of low blood creatinine?
Low creatinine can be diagnosed through a blood test. This complication is caused by different reasons and can have different symptoms. If the cause is a decrease in muscle mass due to muscle disease, the symptoms are:
- muscle weakness
- Muscle stiffness and pain
- Decreased mobility
What is the sign of low blood creatinine?
Usually, a low level of creatine can be a sign of malnutrition, severe weight loss, chronic disease, or loss of muscle mass. This condition is usually observed in infants and elderly people.
Tip: When losing weight, you need to know how “Healthy Weight Loss Per Week For Obese” should be. So that you don’t have problems like decreasing creatinine level after losing weight.
Conclusion
Creatinine levels can fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including kidney function, muscle mass, medical conditions, medications, and diet. Knowing that What Level Of Creatinine Is Alarming? And by understanding the factors affecting the decrease and increase of creatinine level, individuals can take preventative steps to maintain optimal creatinine levels and overall kidney health. Regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in preventing complications related to high creatinine levels.
In this comprehensive article, we explained all the causes of fluctuations in blood creatinine levels so that you can choose the best treatment by knowing the reason.
Dr.sanaz bellucci
I am Sanaz Bellucci , a dentist. In this electronic magazine, I publish my collection of research and studies on various topics related to health and beauty that you may face with it.
You can also share your questions of interest with me so that I can give them complete and comprehensive answers. stay with me.
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Dr.sanaz bellucci
May 21, 2024