High blood creatinine is an abnormal situation that indicates that the person is suffering, with a high probability, from kidney damage or disease. To understand why creatinine levels can rise and the problems associated with this situation, we need to have a clear idea of ​​what exactly this substance is.
What is creatinine and how is it synthesized?
Protein is required for the production of creatine phosphate, molecule synthesized in the liver. This creatine phosphate passes into the blood and reaches the muscle, where it is used as an energy source.
Once used in muscles, creatine phosphate it is transformed by various metabolic reactions into ATP and creatinine. This waste substance is then excreted through the kidneys.
Normally, the body produces a constant amount of creatinine; amount that may depend on muscle mass of the person. Therefore, if a person has more or less constant muscle mass and has high blood creatinine, it is most likely due to a kidney disorder.
However, if that person has gained muscle mass and also has elevated creatinine levels, it could be due to increased muscle mass and not for renal insufficiency or other cause, therefore this parameter must always be taken into consideration.
If it were the case that the kidneys were unable to eliminate the creatinine produced daily, it is possible that they had problems eliminating other substances as well, including toxic ones.
In view of this, there are tests and examinations that help detect this situation and give them timely treatment, in order to avoid complications. In particular Creatinine levels can be measured in both blood and urine.
Why can creatinine levels rise?
When a person has high creatinine, You most likely have a kidney problem. such as kidney failure.
However, kidney ailments are not the only cause which can cause an increase in creatinine. There are other reasons that lead to this situation. For example, urinary tract disorders, especially those that occur with a urinary tract obstruction or the presence of stones in the bladder.
Apart from these ailments, sure muscle problems can also cause an elevation the concentration of creatinine in the blood. This is usually as a result of muscle fibers breaking down, either from an injury, another problem that causes damage to the muscles, or from excessive exercise.
Another cause that could be responsible for finding elevated creatinine levels in patients is dehydration. When a person does not drink enough water e the body does not have the necessary hydration To carry out adequate blood purification, creatinine levels can rise in the blood.
AS There are several situations that can lead to an increase in creatinine in the blood, a test should be done to find out the specific cause that is causing the problem.
Symptoms
As a consequence of having a high level of creatinine in the blood, certain symptoms may arise, such as changes in the color of the urine. Its usual color varies and tends to turn towards a reddish or pinkish colour.
Moreover, the patient usually increases the frequency of urination, being able to feel pain. In some cases, foam has been observed in the urine. Other symptoms that a person with high creatinine can suffer from are:
- Skin changes.
- Nausea and vomit.
- Fatigue and headache.
How to fight high creatinine levels?
To find out if creatinine is elevated in the blood a blood test is performed. To do this, a medical analysis is performed which measures the concentration of creatinine in the blood or urine. This analysis is very useful to know if the kidneys are working properly.
It is considered a relatively high value above 1.3 mg/dl, in men and 1.2 mg/dl in women. As soon as the values ​​exceed 4 mg/dl, the patient is considered to suffer from significant renal insufficiency.
To reduce these levels, a number of measures are recommended, such as: Since dehydration promotes high creatinine, it is very important drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day, to avoid this problem.
It is also recommended to change the diet. In this sense, the consumption of foods rich in proteins, purines (sausages, legumes or sardines) and potassium (such as nuts or potatoes) should be reduced. In sostitution, you should opt for meat and white fish such as chicken or hake, diuretic vegetables and fruits.
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