eGFRUpdated 3 months ago
What is eGFR?
The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) measures how well your kidneys filter blood. It estimates how much blood is filtered by the glomeruli (filtering structures in the kidneys) every minute, helping assess kidney function.
Why is eGFR important?
eGFR is crucial for detecting and monitoring kidney disease. It helps assess how efficiently your kidneys remove waste and toxins. A decline in eGFR can indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other complications.
Understanding eGFR results
eGFR is reported in mL/min/1.73 m².
- Healthy: 60-120 mL/min/1.73 m²
Ranges specific to the Cardiometabolic Program: - Optimal: ≥100 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Good: 90-99.9 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Fair: 80.1-89.9 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Pay attention: ≤80 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Alert: <60 mL/min/1.73 m²
eGFR results should be interpreted alongside other factors, as lower values in the elderly may be normal, while small decreases in young adults could require further investigation.
How to maintain optimal eGFR levels
- Diet: Reduce salt and protein intake to protect kidney function.
- Lifestyle: Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), quit smoking, and limit alcohol. Regular exercise and staying hydrated can also help.
DISCLAIMER:
If you are concerned about your eGFR results always consult with your physician.