The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a measurement that indicates how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood. Your kidneys contain tiny filters called glomeruli, which are responsible for this continuous cleaning process. GFR serves as a routine indicator of kidney function, helping healthcare providers assess overall kidney health.
Understanding GFR 34
GFR is measured through a simple blood test that assesses creatinine levels, a waste product from muscle metabolism. The estimated GFR (eGFR) is then calculated using a formula that considers factors like age, sex, and body size. A GFR of 34 falls within the range of 30 to 44 mL/min, classifying it as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 3b. This indicates a moderate to severe reduction in kidney function. While a GFR of 90 or higher is considered normal, the number can decline with age, even in individuals without kidney disease.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to a reduced GFR, including chronic conditions that impact the kidneys over time. Diabetes is a leading cause of CKD, as high blood sugar levels can damage the kidney’s blood vessels. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, or hypertension, similarly harms these delicate blood vessels, reducing their filtering efficiency. Autoimmune diseases, which cause the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues, can also affect kidney function.
Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can also reduce GFR, especially with higher doses or long-term use. Genetic predispositions and older age also play a role. A family history of kidney disease or kidney failure further increases the likelihood of developing CKD.
Recognizing the Symptoms
At a GFR of 34, corresponding to CKD Stage 3b, many individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms, or any symptoms present might be mild and non-specific. This is why regular testing is important, especially for those at higher risk. As kidney function declines further, some potential symptoms can emerge. These may include persistent fatigue and weakness, swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands due to fluid retention, and changes in urination patterns, such as urinating more or less often.
Other signs could involve dry or itchy skin, muscle cramps, or difficulty sleeping. While these symptoms can be subtle at this stage, they indicate that waste products are beginning to accumulate in the body. Complications like anemia, mineral and bone disorders, and metabolic acidosis may also appear at Stage 3b CKD.
Managing and Improving Kidney Health
Managing kidney health with a GFR of 34 involves a comprehensive approach, often tailored by healthcare professionals. Lifestyle modifications are a key component, including dietary changes. A kidney-friendly diet often involves limiting sodium intake to help control blood pressure and fluid retention, aiming for less than 2300 mg per day. It may also involve monitoring protein intake, as excessive protein can strain the kidneys, and adjusting potassium and phosphorus consumption based on individual blood levels. Increasing plant-based foods and avoiding processed items is recommended.
Regular physical activity can contribute to better blood pressure control and overall health, which indirectly supports kidney function. Quitting smoking is also recommended, as tobacco products can harden blood vessels and impede blood flow to the kidneys. Control of underlying conditions, such as blood sugar levels for individuals with diabetes and blood pressure for those with hypertension, is important.
Medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs are often prescribed to help manage blood pressure and slow kidney disease progression, especially in those with proteinuria. Avoiding nephrotoxic drugs, such as certain NSAIDs and some antibiotics, is also important to prevent further kidney damage. Regular medical follow-ups with a nephrologist are advised to monitor kidney function, manage symptoms, and adjust treatment plans as needed.