Top 5 important kidney health numbers.

After your annual physical examination, there are certain numbers of which are of significance with regards to the health of your kidneys.
It is important to be familiar with some of these numbers and what the normal ranges are.
1. Estimated GFR number. This is a measure of your kidney function and above 60 is considered normal. Below 60 will require more investigations as to the etiology of the decrease capacity of the kidneys.

2. Blood pressure reading. High blood leads to kidney disease, heart disease and strokes. The normal blood pressure reading is 120/80.
Any reading above 140 in the upper number and above 90 in the lower number is indicative of high blood pressure and deserves some form of targeted intervention.

3. Albumin to creatinine ratio. This estimates the amount of protein in your urine per day.
A value above 30 on two occasions is indicative of underlying kidney disease and warrants to be carefully investigated and treated if needed.

4. Total cholesterol; Total cholesterol value above 200 is high and puts you at risk for heart disease. In addition the Low density cholesterol (bad cholesterol) should be below 100 especially in those with diabetes or pre-existing heart disease.

5. Blood Glucose check: This assesses your risk for diabetes mellitus which is the leading cause of kidney failure.
A fasting level above 125 and 2 hours after eating over 200 is indicative of diabetes mellitus.

These are some of the test results that you need to be familiar with so that your next annual physical examination is more rewarding to you.
Expect more information regarding your kidney health to follow.