Is Creatinine Level 1.7 Dangerous?

Normal creatinine levels generally vary between 0.5 to 1.2 mg/dl.  So clearly, any score above this indicates abnormal or dangerous creatinine levels. 

If your creatinine levels are crossing 1.7mg/dl, then it means that your kidney function is impaired.

Even though there can be many reasons for the same, one must seek medical attention immediately. 

Untreated high creatinine levels can lead to several complications, including kidney damage and kidney failure. 

1. This can occur due to the buildup of waste or toxic products in the blood that the kidneys cannot filter out. 
2. Over time, this can damage the kidneys and reduce their ability to function properly. 
3. If a person fails to get this treated at the right time, it can result in permanent kidney damage or even the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. 

In addition to kidney-related complications, high creatinine levels can cause other health problems, including anaemia, high blood pressure, and bone disease. 

1. Anaemia occurs when there is a significant fall in the count of red blood cells, resulting in shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, etc.
2. High blood pressure, however, can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. 
3. Finally, bone disease can occur due to an imbalance in calcium and phosphorus levels, leading to bone loss and weakness. 

It is essential to address high creatinine levels to prevent these complications and maintain kidney function and overall health.

Creatinine level 1.7 is generally considered higher than normal. However, it's important to note that creatinine levels alone may not cause specific symptoms.

Symptoms associated with high creatinine levels usually arise from the underlying condition causing impaired kidney function or other related factors. Here are some potential symptoms that may be observed:

1. Fatigue
2. Muscle weakness
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Shortness of breath
6. Changes in urination
7. High blood pressure
8. Loss of appetite

These symptoms can particularly concern individuals already suffering from pre-existing medical conditions such as kidney disease or heart failure.

It is essential to monitor creatinine levels regularly and seek medical attention if creatinine 1.7 symptoms persist or worsen.

Elevated creatinine levels indicate underlying health problems in the human body. It can also be a potent sign of deteriorating kidney infections and kidney failure.

One needs to know that many factors can disturb the normal functioning of their kidneys and, in return, the creatinine levels.

Several medical conditions can lead to elevated creatinine levels and the presence of creatinine 1.7, including:

1. Kidney Disease: Creatinine levels rise when the kidneys are injured because they struggle to remove it from the blood.
   1. A more precise measurement that can be used to diagnose chronic kidney disease is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
      
      GFR is computed by doctors using the results of a blood test for creatinine.
   2. A GFR of 60 or above is regarded by medical professionals as normal, while one of less than 60 may point to kidney disease.
      
      A GFR of 15 or less indicates renal failure.
2. Kidney Blockage: Kidney obstruction may result from a stoppage in the passage of urine, such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stone.
   1. This obstruction may cause a urine buildup in the kidney, affecting the kidney's capacity to operate properly. Hydronephrosis is the medical word for this condition.
   2. Blood creatinine levels may increase if blockages impact both kidneys.
3. Dehydration: Dehydration can cause your kidneys to concentrate urine and reduce the amount of water in your bloodstream.
   
   This, in turn, can increase the creatinine concentration in your blood, leading to higher levels.
4. Increased Protein Consumption: A person's diet can impact creatinine levels. Eating more meat or other proteins than is advised for an individual's activity level can result in elevated creatinine levels as such food items include creatinine.
   
   Long-term research has revealed that high protein diets had no appreciable effect on blood creatinine levels over two years.
5. Vigorous Exercise: Muscles contain creatine, which aids in their ability to produce energy. 
   1. Blood creatinine levels may rise as a result of dehydration as well as muscle degradation following exercise.
6. Medications:
   1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also affect kidney function and lead to higher creatinine levels.
   2. Measured serum creatinine levels can momentarily rise due to H2 blockers like cimetidine and antibiotics like trimethoprim.
   3. A retrospective study conducted in 2020 discovered that even very low concentrations of trimethoprim could raise blood serum levels in recipients of kidney transplants.

One of the most reliable and recommended tests to assess renal function is the creatinine clearance test. It is a specialized diagnostic test that provides an accurate measurement of kidney function.

It is used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which indicates how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood.

The test involves collecting urine samples over a specified period, usually 24 hours, along with a blood sample which eventually determines how much creatinine was eliminated by your kidneys throughout the preceding 24 hours.

The creatinine clearance is calculated by comparing the creatinine levels in the urine to the creatinine levels in the blood. The test measures the amount of creatinine cleared from the blood by the kidneys over a specific time period.

The result is expressed as milliliters per minute (mL/min), indicating the rate at which the kidneys are filtering waste.

Before reaching the stage of the treatment, one must understand how is creatinine level 1.7 dangerous, is 1.6 creatinine level dangerous. Once there is clarity on this, the patient must proceed toward the stage of treatment.

When it comes to treating high creatinine levels, several options are available. Here are some of the common treatments:

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes play a vital role in preventing a condition from occurring and also in faster recovery from a condition.

Incorporating the below-mentioned lifestyle changes can be beneficial not only for kidney health but for complete well-being. 

1. Staying Hydrated: Drinking fluids and water can help flush out waste and toxins from the body, reducing the workload on the kidneys.
2. Eating a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and more can provide essential nutrients. Avoiding excessive salt and processed foods is excellent for maintaining the good health of the kidneys.
   
   It is also instrumental in maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
3. Exercising Regularly: Regular exercise can improve overall health and help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of developing conditions that can harm kidney function. 
4. Limit Protein-Intake: Consuming too much protein might put further strain on the kidneys.
   
   Opt for moderate protein intake and choose high-quality protein sources such as lean meats, poultry, fish, and plant-based proteins like legumes and tofu. 
5. Manage Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can contribute to kidney damage.
   
   Maintain a healthy blood pressure level by following a low-sodium diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, and taking prescribed blood pressure medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
6. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol intake have a negative impact on the kidneys.
   
   So quit smoking and limit alcohol intake for overall well-being.
7. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have an impact on renal function as well as general health.
   
   Implement stress-reduction strategies including deep breathing exercises, meditation, or other activities to manage stress. 

Medications

Depending on the underlying condition causing the high creatinine levels, medications may be prescribed to help manage the condition.

For example, if the high creatinine levels are due to high blood pressure or diabetes, medications to control these conditions may be prescribed. 

Your healthcare provider may prescribe the following medications to manage the creatinine levels. These are : 

1. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: ACE inhibitors are used to lower blood pressure. This plays a key role in reducing pressure on the blood vessels in the kidneys.
2. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): ARBs treat high blood pressure and have protective effects on the kidneys.
3. Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs): ESAs can help treat anaemia (low red blood cells) caused by chronic kidney disease. 
4. Phosphate or Potassium Binders: People with kidney disease struggle to filter and excrete certain substances from the body.
   
   Phosphate or potassium binders can eliminate extra phosphate and potassium from the body. This is the waste that the kidneys are unable to filter. 

Other Treatment Options

In severe cases of kidney dysfunction, the doctor may recommend the patient undergo dialysis.

1. Dialysis: Dialysis becomes necessary in severe cases to remove wastes from the blood when the kidneys cannot do so.
   
   This treatment involves using a machine to filter the blood and remove excess fluid and waste products.

By managing the underlying condition causing the high creatinine levels, these treatments can help prevent further complications such as kidney damage and even kidney failure.

Working closely with your healthcare provider is pivotal to determining the best treatment plan for your situation.

Have you wondered why your doctor regularly asks you to get your blood tests done to monitor your creatinine levels?

It is because your creatinine levels are not in the ideal ranges. It becomes essential to consult your healthcare provider under the following circumstances: 

1. When the creatinine levels have been above the normal range for a long time
2. When there is a continuous rise in the creatinine levels
3. And clearly, when the creatinine levels are way high than the normal ranges

A creatinine level of 1.7 is above the normal range but not necessarily dangerous. However, it's essential to evaluate creatinine levels in the context of an individual's overall health status and monitor for symptoms and complications.

Consulting a healthcare professional to develop a personalised treatment plan and making lifestyle changes can help prevent high creatinine levels and maintain healthy kidney function. Remember, early detection and management are key to ensuring optimal kidney health.

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Suggested Reads:

1. Serum Creatinine Test
2. When to worry about Creatinine Levels

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