What is gfr

People in early stages of CKD, for example, may want to focus on lifestyle changes and eating a kidney-friendly diet. People in later stages CKD 4 and 5 may need to find a nephrologist and explore treatment options, such as a kidney transplant or dialysis. Use the chart below to determine which CKD stage best matches your GFR calculator results and click on the stage to learn about healthy next steps. In some cases, your care team may recommend modifying your daily routine to incorporate an exercise program and a kidney-friendly diet.

Your eGFR is an important calculation that helps your doctor determine your level of kidney function. This can mean something different for everybody, since your eGFR also depends on your age, gender, muscle mass, ethnicity, and the results of your creatinine serum test. If your doctor is using eGFR to help diagnose kidney disease or determine your stage, you may also need additional tests to confirm. Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease. Knowing your glomerular filtration rate GFR will help you understand how well your kidneys are functioning.

There are specific steps you can take at every stage of CKD to help manage your health and feel your best. What is GFR? Kidney tests are very important for people who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. These conditions can hurt your kidneys. Kidney disease can be treated. The sooner you know you have kidney disease, the sooner you can get treatment to help delay or prevent kidney failure. Treating kidney disease may also help prevent heart disease.

What is CKD? CKD chronic kidney disease means the kidneys are damaged and may no longer filter blood well. This damage happens over many years. As more damage occurs, the kidneys are unable to keep the body healthy - then dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed to maintain health.

How can I lower my risk for CKD? The steps you take to manage your diabetes and high blood pressure also help protect your kidneys. Choosing healthy foods, quitting smoking, and being more physically active are all important steps.

What are the symptoms of CKD? Most people with CKD have no symptoms until their kidneys are about to fail. The only way to know if you have kidney disease is to get tested. The sooner kidney disease is found, the sooner you can take steps to begin treatment and keep your kidneys healthier longer. CKD risk factors include:. Later stage CKD does cause symptoms. So you may need an eGFR test if you have any of the following symptoms:.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. You may need to fast not eat or drink or avoid certain foods for several hours before the test.

Your health care provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow. A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Topic Overview Glomerular filtration is the process by which the kidneys filter the blood, removing excess wastes and fluids.