What creatinine level is too high?

Above 1.2 mg/dL for most adults. However, muscular individuals may normally run higher. eGFR (calculated from creatinine) is more useful for assessing kidney function.

Can high creatinine be temporary?

Yes. Dehydration, intense exercise, high protein meals, and certain medications can temporarily raise creatinine. Retest after hydrating and resting.

What should I do if my creatinine is high?

Retest to confirm. Order a complete renal panel and cystatin C for a more accurate kidney assessment. Share results with your healthcare provider.

Is high creatinine always kidney disease?

No. High muscle mass and dehydration are common non-kidney causes. Cystatin C is less affected by muscle mass and provides a more accurate kidney assessment.

Can I order kidney tests without a doctor?

Yes. JustLabs offers renal panel ($10), cystatin C ($18), and CMP ($11) for comprehensive kidney evaluation.

Creatinine Alto: Qué Significa y Qué Hacer

High creatinine (above 1.2 mg/dL) may indicate reduced kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product your kidneys filter out, and it accumulates when filtration declines. However, high creatinine also results from high muscle mass, intense exercise, and dehydration, so context matters.

¿Qué Causa Creatinine Alto?

Chronic Kidney Disease

Progressive loss of kidney function over months to years. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes.

Acute Kidney Injury

Sudden decrease in kidney function from dehydration, medications, infections, or obstruction.

High Muscle Mass

More muscle produces more creatinine. Bodybuilders and very muscular individuals may have naturally higher levels.

Dehydration

Reduced blood volume concentrates creatinine. Rehydrating and retesting often normalizes levels.

Medications

NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, and some antibiotics can temporarily raise creatinine by affecting kidney blood flow.

Síntomas Asociados

Often none in early stagesSwelling in legs/anklesFatigueDecreased urine outputNauseaShortness of breathConfusion (severe cases)

Qué Hacer a Continuación

1. Repetir la prueba para confirmar

Un solo resultado anormal debe confirmarse con una segunda prueba. Factores temporales como estrés, enfermedad o medicamentos pueden afectar los resultados.

Reordenar Creatinine

2. Pruebas relacionadas a considerar

Cystatin C

$16

More accurate kidney function marker than creatinine alone. Better for people with unusual muscle ma...

Ordenar Prueba

Kidney Panel

Kidney function assessment including BUN, creatinine, and electrolytes....

Ordenar Prueba

Urinalysis

Complete urine analysis for UTI detection, kidney health, and general screening....

Ordenar Prueba

3. Cuándo consultar un médico

Si su Creatinine es significativamente anormal, si tiene síntomas severos, o si resultados repetidos confirman la anomalía, consulte a un profesional de salud para evaluación y tratamiento apropiado.

Ver rangos normales de Creatinine →

Condiciones Relacionadas

Enfermedad Renal Hipertensión Diabetes Tipo 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Esta página es solo para fines informativos y no constituye consejo médico. Consulte a un profesional de salud para la interpretación de sus resultados.

Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.