Creatinine 7.2 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 7.2 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 7.2 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-12T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.837+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 7.2 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 7.2 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 7.2 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 7.2 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 7.2?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 7.2?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 7.2?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 7.2?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally make as a result of a chemical process happening in our muscles. It is formed when our muscles break down a molecule called creatine phosphate. Interestingly, our bodies produce serum creatinine at a steady pace, so its levels remain relatively constant. However, the amount of serum creatinine in our blood can vary depending on a few factors. One such factor is the amount of muscle we have, meaning that individuals with more muscle mass tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine. Additionally, it is worth noting that men generally have higher levels of serum creatinine compared to women, while the levels are typically lower in pregnant women.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors determine how well your kidneys are functioning. Before the test, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for a certain period of time, as well as avoid certain medications that could affect the results. During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. This blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where a machine measures the concentration of creatinine, a waste product produced by your muscles, in your blood. The results of this test can provide important information about your kidney health and help your doctor make informed decisions about your care.
What does a creatinine of 7.2 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 7.2 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. It is important not to try to treat yourself with medication.3,4
What does a creatinine of 7.2 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 7.2 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. It is important not to try treating yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 7.2 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 7.2 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 7.2 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 7.2 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 7.2 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 7.2 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 7.2 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 7.2?
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden loss of kidney function due to factors such as dehydration, infection, or medication.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, often caused by conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone or tumor, preventing normal urine flow.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, impairing their ability to remove waste from the blood.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A condition causing the kidneys to leak large amounts of protein, leading to decreased kidney function.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Severe muscle injury resulting in the release of toxic substances that can damage the kidneys.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome: A rare condition causing abnormal blood clotting and kidney injury, often triggered by bacterial infections.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder causing the growth of cysts in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function over time.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney tissue, often due to allergic reactions or certain medications.
- Lupus nephritis: Kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 7.2?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps assess the balance of electrolytes in the body, including sodium, potassium, and chloride. Abnormal electrolyte levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, which may be the underlying cause of the high creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial for managing and treating kidney disease effectively.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product formed in the liver. High levels of creatinine indicate impaired kidney function, and the blood urea test helps determine if the high creatinine levels are due to kidney dysfunction or other factors such as dehydration or certain medications. This test aids in diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important because it assesses the kidney function by measuring how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. A creatinine level of 7.2 mg/dl indicates a severe impairment in kidney function, and the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate estimation of the extent of kidney damage and guide treatment decisions accordingly. It is crucial in monitoring and managing kidney diseases, as well as determining the need for potential interventions such as dialysis or kidney transplant.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important for individuals with a creatinine level of 7.2 mg/dl as it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing an indication of long-term glycemic control. This test is particularly useful in monitoring diabetes management and assessing the risk of complications associated with high blood sugar levels, such as kidney damage. It helps healthcare professionals determine appropriate treatment plans and make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal glycemic control.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it can help determine the cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH is an enzyme found in many organs and tissues, and elevated levels may indicate tissue damage or injury. Therefore, the LDH test can provide valuable information about potential underlying conditions contributing to the high creatinine level.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case as it helps to assess the patient's blood glucose levels at a specific moment and provides valuable information about their overall glycemic control. High creatinine levels may indicate impaired kidney function, which can affect glucose metabolism and increase the risk of diabetes. Monitoring random sugar levels can aid in early detection and management of diabetes in patients with impaired kidney function.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine is a sneaky chemical that your body makes all the time. Your kidneys, those superstar filters, usually catch it all and flush it out in your pee. But if your kidneys aren't feeling their best, creatinine starts to pile up. That's why checking your creatinine levels is like giving your kidneys a performance review.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 7.2?
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 7.2?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 7.2
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 9.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 9.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 9.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 9.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 9.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 9.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 9.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 9.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 9.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 8.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 8.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 8.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 8.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 8.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 8.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 8.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 8.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 8.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 8.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 8.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 8.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 8.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 8.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 8.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 8.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 8.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 8.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 8.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 8.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 7.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 7.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 7.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 7.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 7.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 7.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 7.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 7.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 7.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 7.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 7.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 7.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 7.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 7.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 7.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 7.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 7.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 7.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 7.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 7.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 7.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 7.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 7.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 7.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 7.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 7.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 7.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 7.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 7.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 7.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 7.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 7.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 7.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 7.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 7.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.28 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 7.2
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
Reviewed By - Dr.Bhargav Raut
Dr.Bhargav Raut is a qualified Pathologist, with over 5 years of experience in the field
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