If your blood test for kidney function shows abnormal results it is important to understand what this may mean for your health. Abnormal kidney function means that the nephrons are unable to meet the body’s demands:
The kidneys are unable to filter the blood as usual. This may result in the accumulation of waste products, like urea or certain drugs, which may be toxic for the body.[2]
The nephrons will have to work harder to maintain a filtration rate, which may result in damage to kidney cells after a long time. This creates a loop where the cells keep hurting themselves while trying to reach normal kidney function.[1]
The kidney may have problems producing erythropoietin, resulting in anaemia. If this is of concern you can take an anaemia test here.[8]
While hypertension may lead to kidney disease, it also works the other way. If the kidneys fail to remove excess water and keep the electrolytes balanced, arterial blood pressure may rise. This, accompanied by hardening (atherosclerosis) or narrowing (stenosis) of the renal arteries, increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.[8]
Loss of calcium and decreased vitamin D activation, which occurs in the kidneys, may result in bone problems, such as a higher risk of fractures. A bone health test may also be useful.[8]
If renal function is critically impaired, as evidenced by very low eGFR, the kidneys may require external help. Dialysis is a procedure that removes waste products and excess water outside the body, working as a healthy kidney would.[8]
Having abnormal results in a kidney function test is not the same as having kidney disease. These tests offer insight into kidney function; however, they may be altered by other factors. For example, creatinine may be higher than normal due to intense exercise, high muscle mass (bodybuilders), use of certain drugs (trimethoprim, ranitidine), etc.[9]
Each case must be studied individually for proper diagnosis. Given the importance of kidney health, you should review abnormal kidney function test results with your GP.