What can an increased level of creatinine indicate?

An increased level of creatinine in the blood is primarily associated with renal impairment. Creatinine is a waste product produced from muscle metabolism and is typically filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. When the kidneys are functioning normally, they efficiently remove creatinine, resulting in relatively stable blood levels.

However, when there is impaired kidney function—due to conditions such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, or other renal-related issues—creatinine levels can rise. This increase serves as a crucial indicator for healthcare professionals in assessing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and overall kidney health. Monitoring creatinine levels is a common practice in clinical settings to evaluate kidney function and diagnose potential renal issues.

While elevated creatinine levels can occasionally be seen in other contexts, such as dehydration or increased muscle mass, its primary clinical interpretation is related to renal function. Thus, an increased creatinine level serves as a significant marker for renal impairment in patients.