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Lab Results Bun/Creatinine Serum/Ratios

08/06/2010

Question:

The doctor has my mom on high blood pressure pills (lisinopril) and hydrochlorothiazide. They didn`t discuss alternative ways or natural ways or ask her about her diet or lifestyle. Her lab test has a lot of numbers we don`t understand.  Can you tell me if you see a major problem or your thoughts on alternative ways so she can discuss with her doctor. She`s 55 Glucose, Serum 95 Bun 15 Creatinine, Serum 1.02H eGFR 56L.

Answer:

Her eGFR (which is an indication of kidney function) is a little low, and it is possible that she has had some kidney damage from high blood pressure.  Lifestyle changes that may help include:

  • not smoking
  • limiting salt, cholesterol, and saturated fat intake – increasing fruit and vegetable intake
  • losing weight if needed

Both lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide are good medications for controlling blood pressure, and lisinopril also helps to protect kidney function.  If her blood pressure remains well-controlled, her kidney damage (while lower than normal) may be stable and not progress any further.

I notice that your title mentions “BUN/serum creatinine ratios.”  So in case you were wondering, your mom’s is not abnormal: 15/1.02 = 14.7 (up to 20 is normal).

For more information:

Go to the Kidney Diseases health topic.