High Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) levels in a blood or urine test are a red flag for kidney health and are often used to detect early signs of kidney disease. Here’s what high ACR levels indicate:
- Early Kidney Damage:
- When the kidneys are functioning properly, they filter waste while retaining essential proteins like albumin. High ACR means albumin is leaking into the urine, signaling potential kidney damage.
- This is often the first sign of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Diabetes:
- Diabetics frequently have high ACR levels because high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to protein leakage. Managing blood sugar can help lower ACR.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):
- High blood pressure is another major cause of kidney damage. ACR tests help detect early kidney stress due to hypertension.
- Cardiovascular Risks:
- Elevated ACR can also indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, as kidney and heart health are closely related.
Treatment Options:
- Managing Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure: Proper control of diabetes and hypertension is key to lowering ACR levels.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing salt intake, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercise can improve kidney health.
- Medications: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly prescribed to protect kidney function.
Early detection and intervention can slow the progression of kidney disease and prevent further complications.
Recommended Tests:
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR):
This test measures how well your kidneys are filtering blood, making it an essential follow-up to assess kidney function alongside high ACR levels.
eGFR Test - Blood Glucose Test:
Since diabetes is a common cause of elevated ACR, monitoring blood glucose is critical for managing kidney health.
Blood Glucose Test
