GFR is measured by taking a blood sample and measuring the levels of creatinine and cystatin C. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by muscles, and cystatin C is a protein that is produced by all cells in the body. The levels of these substances in the blood can be used to estimate how well the kidneys are filtering waste products.
GFR is reported in milliliters per minute (mL/min). A normal GFR is between 90 and 120 mL/min. A GFR below 60 mL/min is considered to be chronic kidney disease (CKD).
CKD can be caused by a number of factors, including:
* Diabetes
* High blood pressure
* Obesity
* Heart disease
* Kidney stones
* Certain medications
* Family history of kidney disease
CKD can lead to a number of serious health problems, including:
* Heart disease
* Stroke
* Kidney failure
* Blindness
* Amputation
The GFR test can help to identify CKD early, so that treatment can be started to slow the progression of the disease and prevent serious complications.
If you have CKD, your doctor will likely recommend that you have your GFR tested regularly to monitor your kidney function. You may also be recommended to make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and quitting smoking, to help slow the progression of CKD.
If you have any concerns about your kidney health, talk to your doctor.