What Causes High Creatinine Levels?

Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014

Question: I had a blood teat done every six months for 3 years my
creatinine has always been on the high side 1.33 steady always the same
I do take pre workout drinks with high creatine not sure if that's the reason

but my ast was 40 for the first 3 test but the last two have been 73 alt 40 on all
should I be concerned or not that bad

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Creatin use increase creatinine level,,,,

Detailed Answer:
HI,XXXXXX
Thank you posting Your query to HCM.
You are saying that your creatinine level has been on the high side 1.33, and you are using drinks with creatin.
It is true that creatin may elevate artificially the level of creatinine.
with regards to your AST and ALT level , AST 70 is slightly elevated.
It may be related with :
- alcohol
- medication
- skleletal muscle damage.
For the moment there is nothing to be concerned, but I suggest stop using alcohol, avoid as it possibile drinks with creatin.

Repeat the AST level after 4 weeks and if it is high than you should consult your physician.
IF you have other concerns I would be glad to asisst you further.
Wishing you all the best
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (13 hours later)

so the slightly high should be 1.27 mine 1.33 is not really an issue ????? the pre workout drinks I use are high in creatine and if the numbers are artificial is it really a problem im sure the stop of using drink would nock me dow the .06 that would put me in the normal range and having it a slight bit high is not really a problem right............ as far as the ast score my alt is 35 on a scale of 0/40 so on the higher side but not out of range in your reply you mentioned drinking or medication I don't drink at all and take no medication at all not even asprin so my score were 37-37-71-73-73 over the last 5 blood test for ast one test every 6 months I do work out very hard for my age 6 days a week and not sure if hardcore work outs raise levels is a 73 score high enough for me to worry and want to get a hypititise/lymes dieseas test done or am I making to much out of the one high score thanks XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following explanations...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXX,

Thank you for providing more of your medical data.

Now, let me explain a few things regarding creatine levels:
It is indicating either:
- kidney impairment (other tests should be considered, including creatinine clearance, BUN, etc.)
- you are having intense, regular physical activity (increased muscle metabolism)
- having foods/drinks or other supplements that are high in proteins and would increase blood creatine (your creatine drink)

As you may see, if other kidney function tests were all within normal range, then, in your case, my thoughts go for possible increased physical activity and diet rich in foods that increase creatine level (you are reporting all of them).

Thus, I advise to stop taking that creatine drink, and repeat testing 4 weeks after stopping it.
Physical activity is important, I advise to avoid intense physical activity at least 24 hours prior to testing.

With regards to increased AST levels, from what you are reporting, as long as you do not drink and hepatitis testing are negative, the AST levels are high due to increased muscle activity.

So, next time, when you repeat testing, I advise to:
- stop drinking that creatine drink
- stop any intense physical activity

at least 24 hours prior to testing to avoid false results.

Hope it answered to your queries.

Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (2 hours later)

Ok lets say i follow your last note. Stop with the suplements. And stop workout one full week before next test if both scores fall into ok range is there anyproblem with me going back to my normal routine creantintine waz only slightly over normal. 1.33 vs 1.27. Amd were my ast was high. 73. Vs. 40. If its because of extreem workouts is that really a problem i do look ar the blood test to see if anything changes but if i can bring the numbers in line with no workouts and no prework out drinks. Is there really nothing to worry about?????? If im working out hard enough to have a reading go up because of ripped muscle its not really a bad liver right?????? On the other hand if tbe ast stays high ill be in line for further testing. Hepytitise test or lymes. Test. Does that sound fair??????? I dont drink at all and take no pills. Any medication was stopped 9p days before test

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing worrisome...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Overall, there is nothing serious in your blood tests reports. It is true that there are slightly elevated parameters. But, as long as there is increased physical activity, and all other parameters are great, that won't be a problem.

If you have not run any hepatitis testing, I highly advise to get them checked. Discuss it further with your doctor.

You are insisting on Lymes. Is there any particular reason that makes you think over Lymes: previous personal history? history of living in high prevalence places? eating out undercooked foods?

I still do not think that is a problem as long as you are reporting to be a healthy and athletic person.

Once again, I do not see anything worrisome in your blood tests. Run the hepatitis testing to rule them out. Remember not to have intense physical activity before test.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj