Creatinine 1.5 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 1.5 mg /dl means, what are its causes and how to calculate your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate based on the GFR, as well its implications on your kidney health. We also answer the question about whether a Creatinine level of 1.5 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-01T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.045+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 1.5 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 1.5?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 1.5?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 1.5?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 1.5?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally made in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is produced at a steady pace, meaning that our body consistently makes it. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is influenced by how much muscle we have. In general, men tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine compared to women because they typically have more muscle. On the other hand, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are usually lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors measure the level of creatinine in your body. Before the test, you may be asked to avoid eating certain foods and medications that could affect the results. When you go to the lab, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from your arm using a needle. This blood sample will then be sent to the lab, where they will use a machine to measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood. The results of this test can give your doctor important information about how well your kidneys are functioning.
Is creatinine 1.5 dangerous?
A creatinine of may be dangerous depending on your gender and age. The tables below highlight the likelihood of a creatinine of being dangerous for different age groups in both men and women. We provide the following tables, based on the estimated GFR corresponding to the value of creatinine.
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 1.5 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 1.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 81 yrs | significantly high, but not dangerous, needs attention |
| 81yrs - 95 yrs | bad, needs attention, could be dangerous, Consult a doctor |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 1.5 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 1.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | bad, needs attention, could be dangerous, Consult a doctor |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl normal?
The normal range for creatinine in men is 0.73 to 1.18 mg/dl, and in women it is 0.55 to 1.02 mg/dl2. Based on these ranges, a creatinine level of 1.5 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 1.5?
- Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to an increase in creatinine levels as it reduces the blood flow to the kidneys.
- Chronic kidney disease: A sustained increase in creatinine levels may indicate impaired kidney function.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract can cause a buildup of waste products, including creatinine.
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden damage to the kidneys can result in elevated creatinine levels.
- Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis): Extensive muscle damage can release creatine into the bloodstream, increasing creatinine levels.
- High protein diet: Consuming excessive amounts of protein can lead to higher creatinine levels.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as NSAIDs and certain antibiotics, can cause temporary increases in creatinine levels.
- Heart failure: Reduced blood flow to the kidneys due to heart problems can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the kidneys, resulting in increased creatinine levels.
- Infection: Severe infections, particularly those affecting the urinary tract or kidneys, can cause elevated creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 1.5?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in the case of a creatinine level of 1.5 mg/dl because it helps evaluate the balance of important minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. Imbalances in these electrolytes can have significant effects on kidney function and overall health. Monitoring the electrolyte levels can help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to the abnormal creatinine level and guide appropriate treatment.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it helps assess kidney function and detect any abnormalities in the filtering ability of the kidneys. Elevated levels of blood urea can indicate kidney dysfunction or damage, which may be a potential cause for the increased creatinine levels. Monitoring blood urea levels alongside creatinine can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of kidney health.
Estimated GFR
The estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is a crucial test as it helps assess the functioning of the kidneys by measuring the rate at which they filter waste from the blood. A creatinine level of 1.5 mg/dl indicates that there may be impaired kidney function, but the estimated GFR test provides a more accurate measure of the severity and progression of kidney disease, helping guide appropriate treatment and management decisions. It is a valuable tool in monitoring kidney health and preventing further damage.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important because it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing a better understanding of long-term blood sugar control. In this case, a creatinine level of 1.5 mg/dl may suggest impaired kidney function, making it crucial to assess blood sugar control over time to monitor and manage any potential complications related to diabetes. HbA1c test results can help guide treatment decisions and adjustments to maintain optimal blood sugar levels.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it can help determine the underlying cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH is an enzyme found in various tissues, and an elevated level can indicate tissue damage or injury. By measuring LDH, healthcare providers can gain insights into potential conditions such as kidney damage, muscle injury, or even certain cancers, helping guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it measures the blood sugar level at any given time, providing information about the individual's current glucose control. This is crucial in assessing the risk of developing or managing diabetes, as high blood sugar levels can lead to kidney damage and impaired kidney function, resulting in increased creatinine levels. Monitoring blood sugar levels through the Random Sugar test helps in early detection and management of potential kidney issues.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized consistently within the body, is expelled entirely through the urine by the kidney. In the event that kidney function is compromised for any cause, the levels of creatinine escalate. Hence, creatinine serves as a highly valuable means to examine the wellness of the kidney.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 1.5?
Glomerular Filtration Rate or GFR is the rate at which a given volume of blood is cleared of any substance every unit of time. This basically is a measure of the filtration capacity of the kidney. Even a small reduction in GFR can have consequences in patients who already have comorbidities. The GFR is calculated from the level of creatinine in the blood using a variety of equations like the MDRD equation given as follows : GFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) = 175 × (Scr)-1.154 × (Age)-0.203 × (0.742 if female) × (1.212 if African American). Using this formula the value of GFR can be calculated just by knowing the level of creatinine in the blood.
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 1.5?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 1.5
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 60.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 45.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3a : Mildly to Moderately Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 60.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 44.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 59.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 44.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 59.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 43.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 58.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 43.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 58.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 43.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 57.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 42.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 57.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 42.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 56.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 41.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 56.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 41.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 55.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 41.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 55.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 41.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 54.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 40.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 54.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 40.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 54.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 40.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 53.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 39.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 53.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 39.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 53.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 39.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 52.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 39.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 52.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 39.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 52.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 38.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 52.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 38.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 51.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 38.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 51.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 38.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 51.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 38.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 51.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 37.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 50.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 37.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 50.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 37.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 50.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 37.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 50.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 37.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 48 yrs | Male : 49.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 37.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 49 yrs | Male : 49.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 36.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 50 yrs | Male : 49.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 36.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 51 yrs | Male : 49.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 36.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 52 yrs | Male : 49.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 36.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 53 yrs | Male : 48.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 36.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 54 yrs | Male : 48.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 36.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 55 yrs | Male : 48.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 36.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 56 yrs | Male : 48.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 57 yrs | Male : 48.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 58 yrs | Male : 48.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 59 yrs | Male : 47.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 60 yrs | Male : 47.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 61 yrs | Male : 47.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 62 yrs | Male : 47.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 63 yrs | Male : 47.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 64 yrs | Male : 47.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 65 yrs | Male : 46.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 66 yrs | Male : 46.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 67 yrs | Male : 46.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 68 yrs | Male : 46.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 69 yrs | Male : 46.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 70 yrs | Male : 46.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 71 yrs | Male : 46.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 72 yrs | Male : 46.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 73 yrs | Male : 45.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 74 yrs | Male : 45.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 75 yrs | Male : 45.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 76 yrs | Male : 45.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 77 yrs | Male : 45.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 78 yrs | Male : 45.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 79 yrs | Male : 45.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 80 yrs | Male : 45.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 81 yrs | Male : 44.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 82 yrs | Male : 44.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 83 yrs | Male : 44.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 84 yrs | Male : 44.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 85 yrs | Male : 44.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 86 yrs | Male : 44.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 87 yrs | Male : 44.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 88 yrs | Male : 44.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 89 yrs | Male : 44.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 90 yrs | Male : 43.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 91 yrs | Male : 43.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 92 yrs | Male : 43.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 93 yrs | Male : 43.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 94 yrs | Male : 43.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 95 yrs | Male : 43.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
References
Authorotative articles on serum creatinine
Recommended Tests
The following tests are recommeded as additional investigations for a creatinine of 1.5
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
