Concerns About Kidney Function
At a recent visit to my primary care physician, I was instructed to refrain from consuming any food or beverages prior to my appointment. The last time I had any liquids was at 9 PM, and my appointment was scheduled for 11:45 AM the following day. During this visit, blood tests were performed, revealing elevated creatinine levels of 1.05 mg, exceeding the normal limit of 1.02 mg, along with a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 73. I'm uncertain whether these results might be influenced by dehydration and if a retest is necessary to confirm my kidney function.
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 8:10:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
Elevated creatinine levels and reduced GFR can indeed raise concerns about kidney function, but they can also be influenced by factors such as dehydration, especially if you didn’t drink fluids before your appointment.
Explanation:
- Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism that your kidneys normally filter out. Elevated levels can indicate that your kidneys are not functioning optimally.
- GFR is a measure of how well your kidneys filter blood. A GFR of 73 is considered slightly below normal for most adults.
- Dehydration from not drinking fluids can cause temporary increases in creatinine levels and lower GFR readings, as concentrated blood can skew these results.
Next Steps:
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Hydrate: Ensure you drink plenty of water leading up to any follow-up testing, as this will help improve kidney function indicators if dehydration was a factor.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any symptoms such as fatigue, swelling (especially in legs or feet), changes in urine output, or unusual pain in your back or sides.
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Retesting: It’s advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss retesting. They might recommend another blood test after you’ve properly hydrated. This will help clarify if the initial results were due to dehydration.
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Dietary Considerations: Maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessively high protein intake, as overconsumption can also affect kidney function.
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Keep Records: Document your fluid intake and any symptoms you observe. This information can be helpful during your next medical evaluation.
Stay engaged with your healthcare provider about these findings, especially if you have any additional concerns or if symptoms arise. Remember to take it one step at a time, focusing on hydration and symptom monitoring.
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