What Does High Creatinine Mean?

High creatinine means your kidneys are not filtering waste efficiently.

Thresholds

• Above 1.3 mg/dL (men) or 1.1 (women)
• Significant: above 2.0
• Emergency: above 4.0

Common Causes

• Chronic kidney disease
• Dehydration
• NSAIDs and other kidney-toxic medications
• High muscle mass (not kidney disease)
• Urinary obstruction

What to Do

• Always check eGFR (accounts for age/sex)
• Recheck after hydration if dehydrated
• Review medications (stop NSAIDs)
• If persistent, nephrology referral