Creatinine 7.3 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 7.3 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 7.3 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-12T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.868+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 7.3 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 7.3 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 7.3 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 7.3 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 7.3?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 7.3?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 7.3?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 7.3?
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, which is found in our muscles. It is produced by our bodies at a steady and consistent rate. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood depends on how much muscle we have - generally, men tend to have more of it compared to women. Interestingly, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are usually lower. So, it's like a little marker in our blood that gives us information about our muscle mass and can vary depending on our gender and if we're expecting a baby.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors check the health of your kidneys. Before the test, it's important to avoid eating large amounts of meat and certain medications, as they can affect the results. When you go to the lab, a technician will draw a small amount of blood from your arm using a needle. This blood sample will then be sent to the lab, where scientists will measure the concentration of creatinine, a waste product in your blood that your kidneys usually filter out. By analyzing the creatinine level, doctors can determine how well your kidneys are functioning.
What does a creatinine of 7.3 mg/dl mean in women?
A normal creatinine range for women is 0.55-1.02. If your creatinine level is 7.3 mg/dl, it is considered life-threatening. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. Please do not try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 7.3 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 7.3 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 7.3 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 7.3 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 7.3 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 7.3 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 7.3 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 7.3?
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden loss of kidney function due to various factors such as dehydration, kidney infection, or medication side effects.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, often caused by conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system, which can prevent the normal flow of urine and cause an increase in creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, resulting in impaired kidney function.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function over time.
- Nephrotoxic medications: Certain medications or toxins that can damage the kidneys and impair their ability to filter waste products.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Severe muscle injury that can cause breakdown of muscle tissue and release of myoglobin, leading to kidney damage.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome: A condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, which can lead to kidney failure.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding tissue, often caused by an allergic reaction to medications or infections.
Note: The causes provided are general possibilities and should not be used for diagnostic purposes. A healthcare professional should evaluate the patient's specific condition for an accurate diagnosis.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 7.3?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case as it determines the levels of important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. Imbalances in these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction and may contribute to the high creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels helps in assessing kidney function and guiding appropriate treatment.
Blood Urea
A creatinine level of 7.3 mg/dl indicates severe impairment of kidney function, which may lead to the accumulation of waste products in the blood. The Blood Urea test is important to measure the level of urea in the blood, as an elevated result would confirm impaired kidney function and provide additional information about the severity of kidney damage. This test helps healthcare professionals assess the overall kidney health and determine appropriate treatment options.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are functioning by measuring the rate at which they filter waste products from the blood. A creatinine level of 7.3 mg/dl indicates significant kidney dysfunction, and the Estimated GFR test can help determine the severity of the impairment and guide appropriate treatment decisions. It is a crucial tool for monitoring kidney function and assessing the stage of chronic kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing a long-term picture of glycemic control. It helps in determining if the high creatinine level is due to uncontrolled diabetes, which can lead to kidney damage. Monitoring HbA1c levels can guide treatment decisions and help prevent further complications.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this scenario because it helps determine if the elevated creatinine level is due to kidney dysfunction or other potential causes. LDH levels can be elevated in conditions such as kidney damage or injury, indicating the need for further investigation and potential treatment. Therefore, the LDH test aids in identifying the underlying cause of the high creatinine levels and guiding appropriate medical management.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps determine the blood glucose level at any given time, which is crucial for assessing the patient's overall metabolic function. Elevated creatinine levels often indicate impaired kidney function, and high blood sugar levels can further worsen kidney damage. Therefore, the Random Sugar test helps in monitoring and managing the patient's kidney and metabolic health.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a substance synthesized within the body at a steady pace, undergoes complete filtration by the kidneys, excreted entirely in urine. Should the renal function encounter any obstacles, the concentration of creatinine is prone to elevate. Consequently, evaluating creatinine levels proves highly valuable in assessing the efficiency of kidney performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 7.3?
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 7.3?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 7.3
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 9.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 9.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 9.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 9.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 9.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 9.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 9.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 9.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 9.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 9.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 8.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 8.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 8.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 8.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 8.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 8.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 8.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 8.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 8.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 8.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 8.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 8.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 8.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 8.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 8.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 8.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 8.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 8.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 7.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 7.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 7.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 7.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 7.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 7.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 7.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 7.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 7.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 7.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 7.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 7.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 7.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 7.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 7.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 7.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 7.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 7.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 7.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 7.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 7.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 7.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 7.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 7.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 7.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 7.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 7.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 7.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 7.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 7.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 7.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 7.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 7.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 7.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 7.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 7.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 7.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 7.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 7.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
References
Authorotative articles on serum creatinine
Recommended Tests
The following tests are recommeded as additional investigations for a creatinine of 7.3
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
