Elevated Creatinine and Triglycerides: Key Insights for Patients

Q: Elevated Creatinine and Triglycerides: Key Insights for Patients

Hello, Xiaohua： To measure triglycerides, you should fast for 8-10 hours. <br>The values can be affected by diet, so it is recommended to fast for 8-10 hours and avoid vigorous exercise before the test.

Both creatinine and triglycerides are elevated?

Question: I visited my family medicine doctor on Sunday because I previously had high cholesterol issues (last year it was 236).
The doctor asked if I could have blood drawn to track my levels today.
I replied that I had just gone hiking, sweated a lot, didn't drink much water, and had breakfast, so the results might not be accurate! The doctor responded that it wouldn't affect the postprandial blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and cholesterol levels (the blood draw was about two hours after breakfast).
Yesterday, I reviewed the report: postprandial blood glucose was 86, hemoglobin A1c was 5.6, cholesterol was 190, but triglycerides reached 200.
The doctor asked if I had been eating a lot of fatty foods.
I think it's unlikely to reach 200, as I have never exceeded the limit before, and I had my levels checked at Chang Gung in February (69).
Additionally, my blood urea nitrogen was 21.5 (last year it was 13.6), creatinine was 0.95 (last year it was 0.76), and uric acid was 5.96 (last year it was 5.27).
My lifestyle hasn't changed significantly, and I currently have no issues with hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia.
The doctor also mentioned that at my age, my kidney function isn't great and advised me not to eat too much salt, which has affected my mood.
Are these data points worth considering? I wasn't fasting that day, and I looked up that fasting for 8-10 hours is required for triglyceride testing, and it's also not ideal to draw blood after exercising; I had hiked for about 4 hours the day before! Thank you for your help, doctor!

Xiao Hua, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/23

Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine

Hello, Xiaohua: To measure triglycerides, you should fast for 8-10 hours.
The values can be affected by diet, so it is recommended to fast for 8-10 hours and avoid vigorous exercise before the test.

Reply Date: 2023/08/23

More Info

Understanding elevated creatinine and triglycerides is crucial for patients, especially those with a history of high cholesterol or other metabolic issues. In your case, it seems that you have had some fluctuations in your lab results, particularly concerning triglycerides and kidney function markers. Let's break down the significance of these findings and the factors that might influence them.

Elevated Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. They are derived from the food you eat and are also produced by your liver. Normal triglyceride levels are typically below 150 mg/dL. A level of 200 mg/dL is considered borderline high, and levels above this can increase the risk of heart disease and pancreatitis.

Several factors can contribute to elevated triglyceride levels, including:
1. Diet: High intake of sugars, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats can lead to increased triglycerides. Even if you believe your diet has not changed significantly, it’s worth considering any hidden sources of sugar or fat in your meals.

2. Physical Activity: Exercise helps lower triglyceride levels. You mentioned that you had just gone hiking, which is great for overall health, but if your body was under stress from the activity and you were dehydrated, it might have influenced your blood results.

3. Fasting State: It is generally recommended to fast for 8-10 hours before a triglyceride test for the most accurate results. Since you had just eaten breakfast and were not in a fasting state, this could have skewed your triglyceride levels.

Elevated Creatinine and Urea Nitrogen
Creatinine is a waste product produced from muscle metabolism, and its levels in the blood can indicate kidney function. Normal creatinine levels typically range from 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL, depending on muscle mass. Your creatinine level of 0.95 mg/dL is within the normal range but has increased from your previous level of 0.76 mg/dL.
Similarly, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels can indicate kidney function and hydration status. Your BUN level of 21.5 mg/dL is elevated compared to last year's 13.6 mg/dL. This could suggest that your kidneys are under some stress or that you might be slightly dehydrated, especially if you had not consumed enough fluids after your hike.

Factors Influencing Your Results
1. Hydration: Dehydration can lead to elevated creatinine and BUN levels. It’s essential to stay well-hydrated, especially before blood tests.

2. Recent Physical Activity: Intense exercise can temporarily affect kidney function and metabolism, leading to transient changes in creatinine levels.

3. Dietary Intake: As mentioned, a diet high in fats or sugars can influence triglyceride levels.
4. Underlying Conditions: While you mentioned not having any significant changes in your health status, it’s worth considering any potential underlying conditions that could affect your metabolism or kidney function.

Recommendations
1. Follow-Up Testing: Given the fluctuations in your triglycerides and kidney function markers, it may be wise to repeat the tests under more controlled conditions (fasting and well-hydrated) to get a clearer picture.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Consider reviewing your diet with a nutritionist to ensure you are not inadvertently consuming high levels of sugars or unhealthy fats.

3. Hydration: Make it a habit to drink plenty of water, especially before any blood tests.

4. Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels regularly, especially since you have a history of high cholesterol.

5. Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your concerns and lab results with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing or lifestyle modifications based on your overall health profile.

In conclusion, while your lab results show some areas of concern, they can be influenced by various factors, including diet, hydration, and recent physical activity. It’s essential to approach these results holistically and work with your healthcare provider to ensure your health remains on track.

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