Kidney Health Check: Understanding Your GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) Score
The kidneys are the body’s natural filtration system, cleaning waste and excess fluid from the blood. Their efficiency is measured by the **Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)**. Your **GFR score** is the most important indicator of **kidney function** and is used to diagnose and stage **Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)**. While typically calculated by medical labs using a creatinine blood test, understanding this **health metric** and tracking it over time is vital for preventative care.
What Does Your GFR Score Mean?
The **GFR** measures how many milliliters of blood your kidneys filter per minute. A score of $90$ $\text{mL}/\text{min}$ or higher is generally considered normal for healthy adults. The score declines with age, but a rapid or sustained drop signals potential problems. The **GFR Calculator** uses key inputs—serum creatinine (from a blood test), **age**, and **gender**—to provide this critical estimate.
GFR stages are typically classified as follows:
- **Stage 1 ($90+$):** Normal **kidney function**.
- **Stage 3 (30-59):** Moderate decrease in **kidney function**. Requires careful management.
- **Stage 5 (under 15):** **Kidney failure** (requiring dialysis or transplant).
How Other Health Metrics Impact Kidney Function
The **health** of your kidneys is deeply intertwined with other cardiovascular and metabolic **health metrics**. Two of the biggest risk factors for CKD are often tracked on their own:
Blood Pressure and Diabetes
**High blood pressure** is a leading cause of CKD because it damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys responsible for filtration. Similarly, uncontrolled **blood sugar** (diabetes) damages the filtering units (nephrons). Monitoring your **Heart Age** and taking steps to control **BMI** are therefore essential preventative measures for maintaining a healthy **GFR**.
BMI and Body Surface Area
Your **BMI** and **Body Surface Area (BSA)** are often used in medical formulas to adjust dosage and filtration metrics. Since the **GFR** calculation relies on factors like your **age** and body size, maintaining a **healthy weight range** (which you can check with our **BMI Calculator**) contributes directly to lower strain on your kidneys.
If your **GFR** score is below $60$ $\text{mL}/\text{min}$, consult your physician immediately. This calculator is a monitoring tool, not a diagnostic one, but it gives you the knowledge to have an informed conversation about your **health** status.
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