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What Causes Low GFR Levels?

Posted on Mon, 29 Dec 2014

Question: I am 66 years old. I have Creatinine count of 177 and a GFR of 38. I do not have any swelling of legs or other parts of the body. My blood chemistry is almost normal except for a slight increase in the Cholesterol. My blood pressure is well controlled by Coversyl, taken one in the morning and half in the evening, as advised by my Nephrologist.
Even though it will take a few years for me to get my get GFR to progress lower ( as reassured by my doctor), I still have this fear of having to face kidney failure. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your GFR is sufficient for good quality life

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
You can live comfortably with a GFR of 30 ml per minute. Do you know the cause for the reduced GFR? You can reduce the decline in GFR by maintaing the blood pressure in the normal range and avoiding things like NSAID medicines , urinary infections that can harm the kidneys.
There is nothing to worry if you take care to maintain the GFR.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Thank you very much for your reply as it is a relief for my anxiety, as I dread to think of dialysis. An ultrasound done on my kidneys about two years ago showed degenerative changes and nothing else.
I would like to know if I can take one or two drinks of whiskey or a few beers daily to relax?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Not more than one or two

Detailed Answer:
One or two drinks may be okay but not more as it may lead to increased uric acid in the blood

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar