Understanding Elevated Creatine Levels: When to Seek Emergency Care
A 34-year-old woman of slim build and a mother of two young children, ages one and three, has reported no health complications during her pregnancies or deliveries. Until now, she has had no known health issues. Today, she contacted the health service after waking up with an overwhelmingly salty taste in her mouth that she cannot seem to eliminate – it is clearly a salty flavor rather than metallic, and it sensations like she’s inhaling salt. Since the previous August, she has experienced persistent dizziness, which has notably intensified. Since that time, she has required ambulance assistance on eight occasions due to her dizziness and episodes of chest discomfort, although medical evaluations including ECG and blood pressure assessments returned normal results. She has called for help twice within the last two weeks, and no lab work has been conducted since August. On August 30, tests were conducted to investigate her symptoms of dizziness and fatigue. During her call to the health service today, an operator inquired whether she had received further investigation into her lab results, which indicated elevated creatine levels. They mentioned that this was flagged as a potential case of acute kidney injury (AKI), yet she has not been contacted by her general practitioner regarding these findings. Since 2017, check-ups on her estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) have consistently shown a slightly below-normal level at 83 (with healthy levels generally starting at 90). She frequently receives notifications about protein being present in her urine without having any urinary tract infections. The persistent salty taste is causing her significant worry, and she currently does not exhibit any symptoms of a cold or flu, such as fever or signs of infection, nor does she have any sinus problems. At present, she is dealing with dizziness, intermittent chest pain, and the disturbing salty taste in her mouth. Given these symptoms, would it be appropriate for her to visit the emergency department?
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 6:20:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
Given the symptoms you've described, particularly the persistent dizziness, chest discomfort, salty taste in your mouth, and elevated creatine levels, it is essential to prioritize your health. It does seem appropriate for you to visit the emergency department (ED) in this case.
Explanation:
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Elevated Creatine Levels: This finding could indicate issues with your kidneys, and while your previous tests have shown mildly concerning signs (like below-normal eGFR), your current symptoms suggest the situation may need immediate evaluation. High creatinine can be associated with acute kidney injury (AKI), which warrants prompt attention.
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Dizziness and Chest Pain: The episodes of dizziness and chest discomfort you have experienced multiple times are concerning. These symptoms can stem from various causes, including cardiovascular or neurological issues, and should not be ignored, especially since you've had to call for ambulance assistance previously.
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Salty Taste: This unusual and persistent symptom might indicate an electrolyte imbalance or other metabolic concerns, potentially connected to your kidney function.
Next Steps:
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Visit the Emergency Department: Given your symptoms and the history of elevated creatinine levels, go to the ED as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation. This will help rule out any serious conditions and provide necessary care for your symptoms.
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Bring Medical Records: If possible, bring any previous lab results and medical records with you to the ED. This will help the healthcare team understand your history and provide appropriate treatment based on your past evaluations.
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Monitor Symptoms: While waiting for medical care, keep track of any changes in your symptoms, such as the severity of dizziness or any new symptoms that develop.
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Avoid Dehydration: Ensure you drink adequate fluids unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider, but be cautious with salt intake given your symptoms.
Your symptoms deserve immediate attention, and going to the emergency department is the best course of action to ensure your safety and health.
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