What Does a High Creatinine Mean?

Generally speaking, high levels of creatinine can indicate that your kidneys aren't working well. There are many possible causes of high creatinine, some of which may be a one-time occurrence. Examples can include things such as dehydration or intake of large amounts of protein or the supplement creatine.

What can cause your creatinine levels to be high?

Some of the causes of high creatinine levels are:
  • Chronic kidney disease. Share on Pinterest Intense exercise can result in increased creatinine levels. ...
  • Kidney obstruction. ...
  • Dehydration. ...
  • Increased consumption of protein. ...
  • Intense exercise.
  • Certain medications.

What is a dangerously high creatinine level?

What are considered high creatinine levels? A person with only one kidney may have a normal level of about 1.8 or 1.9. Creatinine levels that reach 2.0 or more in babies and 5.0 or more in adults may indicate severe kidney impairment.

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.