What Does an eGFR Below 60 Mean?
Received lab results with an eGFR below 60? Learn what your kidney numbers mean in plain language and when to talk with a specialist in Madera or Fresno.
Reading Your Lab Results Without the Stress
Opening a patient portal or receiving a routine lab report can raise immediate questions. If you notice a line labeled eGFR with a number below 60, or a creatinine level flagged as elevated, it is natural to want clear answers right away.
Your kidneys filter waste and balance fluids in your body every minute of the day. Understanding how well they are performing does not require a medical degree. Here is what those numbers mean in plain language.
What is eGFR?
eGFR stands for estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. Think of it as a percentage score of your kidney’s filtering efficiency:
- 90 or higher: Your kidneys are filtering at full capacity.
- 60 to 89: Normal for many adults, especially as we age, though doctors monitor this if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Below 60: Indicates that your kidneys have experienced a decrease in filtering efficiency over time.
A single test result below 60 is not a final verdict. Lab numbers fluctuate based on hydration, recent meals, medications, or temporary illnesses. Doctors look for a pattern across two or three tests over several months.
What is Creatinine?
Creatinine is a natural waste product created by your muscles during daily movement. Healthy kidneys continuously remove creatinine from your blood.
When kidney filtering slows down, creatinine levels in your blood gradually rise. Because of this, doctors use your blood creatinine level—along with your age and gender—to calculate your eGFR.
3 Simple Steps to Protect Your Kidney Health
If your numbers have dropped below 60, there are proactive steps you can take today to protect your long-term health:
- Review Your Medications: Common over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen and naproxen) can put extra stress on your kidneys when taken regularly.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink clean water throughout the day, especially during hot Central Valley summers.
- Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is one of the single most effective ways to protect kidney tissue.
When to Speak with a Kidney Specialist
If your eGFR remains below 60 across multiple blood tests, having a nephrologist review your health history can provide peace of mind and a personalized care plan.
At Kidney Specialist Inc., Dr. Masood and Dr. Siddiqui work alongside your primary doctor to protect your remaining kidney function. You do not need to wait until symptoms appear to take action.
Have questions about your lab results?
A real person answers our phone. Call our office at (559) 661-1965 to talk through your lab work or schedule a consultation in Madera or Fresno.
Have Questions About Your Kidney Health?
Our physicians care for patients across Madera and Fresno counties. A real person answers our phone.