What Are High Creatinine Levels?
High creatinine levels indicate that the kidneys may not be functioning properly. Creatinine levels are measured by collecting urine and taking blood samples for testing. Creatine is formed when food is eaten and then metabolized. The creatine then breaks down again, changing into creatinine. It is taken out of the bloodstream and passes out of the body in urine. General good health, physical activities, and a healthy diet cannot reduce the chances of having high creatinine levels. These levels depend entirely on how the kidneys are functioning. For example, if the kidneys are damaged, more creatinine will be seen in the blood and less in the urine. If the kidneys are functioning normally, the creatinine will be typically seen mainly in the urine. Muscle tissue can also help to produce more creatinine in the bloodstream and because of this, men often have high creatinine levels than women.
