Understand your values of Glomerular Filtration Rate CKD-EPI (ml/min/1.73m²)

What is it and its Measure Units?

The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) CKD-EPI is a blood test that evaluates how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. This crucial indicator is specifically designed using the CKD-EPI equation, which provides a more accurate estimate of kidney function by considering your serum creatinine levels, age, sex, and body size. The results of the GFR are expressed in milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters (ml/min/1.73m²), which accounts for the average adult body surface area, making it easier to compare results across different individuals.

Which is its Function in Our Bodies?

The GFR is a vital indicator of your kidney health. Our kidneys play a fundamental role in filtering waste products and excess fluids from our blood. The GFR measures how many milliliters of blood are being filtered by the kidneys per minute. A high GFR indicates efficient kidney filtration, whereas a low GFR suggests reduced kidney function. Maintaining an optimal GFR is crucial for balancing bodily fluids, electrolytes, acids, and bases, ensuring our body’s internal environment remains stable and healthy.

What Happens if We Have Values Out of Normal?

Having a GFR that falls outside the normal range can be an indicator of kidney impairment or disease. A low GFR might suggest chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney failure. It indicates that your kidneys are not filtering waste as effectively as they should, which can lead to the accumulation of toxins and fluids in the body. On the other hand, a very high GFR could sometimes be seen in conditions such as pregnancy or high cardiac output states, but is generally less common as a concern. Monitoring and addressing GFR values is essential to prevent further kidney damage and to manage any underlying conditions that might be affecting kidney function.

Which Are its Optimum Values and What Should We Do to Improve Our Values of this Substance?

The optimum GFR value for a healthy adult is generally above 90 ml/min/1.73m². As you age, a mild decrease is considered normal. If you’re experiencing lower than normal values, there are several approaches to improve your kidney health:

• Maintain blood pressure and blood sugar levels within normal ranges to protect your kidneys.
• Adopt a kidney-friendly diet low in salt, processed foods, and adequate in good quality proteins.
• Stay well-hydrated, ensuring your kidneys have enough fluid to function properly.
• Avoid medications that can harm the kidneys unless prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Engage in regular physical activity to support overall health and wellness.

Remember that each body is unique and it's important to tailor these guidelines to individual health needs, potentially in consultation with a healthcare provider.

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