What Causes Elevated Creatinine Levels?
Creatinine is a waste metabolite produced by muscles after they have finished contracting. It is introduced into the blood and excreted into the urine by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels generally indicate a decline in kidney function. Impaired kidney function can happen gradually without a person being aware of it. A routine blood test showing an increased level of creatinine is often the first indication of kidney disease. The kidneys filter large volumes of blood to remove extra water and waste products. A common waste product removed by the kidneys is creatinine, which is produced from the breakdown of creatine phosphate in muscles. Generally, healthy people will have a constant level of creatinine over time. Men typically have a higher concentration than women, because they have more muscle tissue. Vegetarians and the elderly frequently have lower levels of this compound.
