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Kidney Diseases

High Creatinine Levels

04/28/2009

Question:

I am a generally healthy 57 year old male. I do suffer from hypertension, and am taking medication that does control my bp. Since February of 2006, I have had serum creatinine levels as high as 1.6 and as low as 1.18, the latest in Jaunary being 1.26. I guess I am concerned that I am in the early stages of chronic renal failure, though my doctor says that as long as my bp is controlled and I keep my fluid intake up, I should be fine. Your opinion?

Answer:

I would also be concerned about your having chronic kidney disease. Your highest creatinine actually places you in a stage 3 -- see the link below for a description of the stages of CKD.  Some blood pressure meds can result in changes in creatinine without significant underlying kidney disease.  However, it is very important for you to be evaluated by a nephrologist (kidney specialist) with urine tests and kidney imaging. 

If you do have early kidney disease, it is important at your young age to do everything possible to preserve the remaining function.  Many people with hypertension can have stable stage 3 or even stage 4 disease for years and years.  Again the nephrologist can be helpful in adjusting medications and advising you on lifestyle changes to achieve this goal.  Good luck to you, and please don't delay asking your doctor for a referral.

Related Resources:

Basic Information About the Kidneys

For more information:

Go to the Kidney Diseases health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Mildred Lam, MD Mildred Lam, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University