The Truth About Your Kidney Lab Tests (And Why GFR Isn't Everything)
Dadvice TV - Kidney Health Coach
17,220 views
Is your eGFR dropping? Dr. Rosansky explains when a lower kidney function number may be concerning and when it may not mean your kidneys are getting worse.
📘 Get Dr. Rosansky's books "How to Live a Longer, Healthier Life" & "Learn the Facts About Kidney Disease": http://go.dadvicetv.com/book
A declining eGFR can be frightening, but one lower result does not always mean chronic kidney disease is progressing. In this Dadvice TV discussion, James and Dr. Rosansky explain why eGFR is an estimate, how creatinine and muscle mass affect the calculation, and why repeat testing matters. They also discuss urine protein as an important marker of kidney risk, including the albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and why some medications may initially lower eGFR while still providing long-term kidney or cardiovascular benefits. Dr. Rosansky also explains how dehydration, weight loss, changes in muscle mass, high or very low protein intake, acute kidney injury, heart failure, and normal laboratory variation can change kidney numbers. The discussion includes CKD Stage 3 and Stage 4, cystatin C, 24-hour urine testing, and why kidney patients should look at trends and the full clinical picture rather than reacting to one laboratory value.
Key Questions Answered
What does it mean when your eGFR suddenly drops?
Can kidney medications lower eGFR without damaging your kidneys?
How do creatinine, muscle mass, and weight loss affect eGFR?
When should a declining eGFR be considered more concerning?
TimeStamps:
00:59 - When Can a Lower eGFR Be a Good Thing?
04:29 - Why Urine Protein Matters
05:27 - Medications That Can Help Protect Kidneys
08:53 - Why eGFR May Drop After Starting Medication
12:19 - What to Do When Your eGFR Is Declining
17:13 - Why One Abnormal Kidney Test May Mislead You
20:28 - Weight Loss, Muscle Loss and eGFR
23:09 - Why a Higher eGFR May Not Mean a Cure
30:46 - When to Ask About Cystatin C
32:21 - Declining eGFR With Stage 4 CKD
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult directly with your primary care physician, cardiologist, or nephrologist before starting, stopping, or altering any healthcare routine, medication, supplement, or diet plan.
#DadviceTV #KidneyDisease #CKD #eGFR #KidneyFunction #ChronicKidneyDisease #Creatinine #Proteinuria #KidneyHealth #Stage3CKD #Stage4CKD #DrRosansky
20 Comments
The Truth About Your Kidney Lab Tests (And Why GFR Isn't Everything)
Dadvice TV - Kidney Health Coach
17,220 views
Is your eGFR dropping? Dr. Rosansky explains when a lower kidney function number may be concerning and when it may not mean your kidneys are getting worse.
📘 Get Dr. Rosansky's books "How to Live a Longer, Healthier Life" & "Learn the Facts About Kidney Disease": http://go.dadvicetv.com/book
A declining eGFR can be frightening, but one lower result does not always mean chronic kidney disease is progressing. In this Dadvice TV discussion, James and Dr. Rosansky explain why eGFR is an estimate, how creatinine and muscle mass affect the calculation, and why repeat testing matters. They also discuss urine protein as an important marker of kidney risk, including the albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and why some medications may initially lower eGFR while still providing long-term kidney or cardiovascular benefits. Dr. Rosansky also explains how dehydration, weight loss, changes in muscle mass, high or very low protein intake, acute kidney injury, heart failure, and normal laboratory variation can change kidney numbers. The discussion includes CKD Stage 3 and Stage 4, cystatin C, 24-hour urine testing, and why kidney patients should look at trends and the full clinical picture rather than reacting to one laboratory value.
Key Questions Answered
What does it mean when your eGFR suddenly drops?
Can kidney medications lower eGFR without damaging your kidneys?
How do creatinine, muscle mass, and weight loss affect eGFR?
When should a declining eGFR be considered more concerning?
TimeStamps:
00:59 - When Can a Lower eGFR Be a Good Thing?
04:29 - Why Urine Protein Matters
05:27 - Medications That Can Help Protect Kidneys
08:53 - Why eGFR May Drop After Starting Medication
12:19 - What to Do When Your eGFR Is Declining
17:13 - Why One Abnormal Kidney Test May Mislead You
20:28 - Weight Loss, Muscle Loss and eGFR
23:09 - Why a Higher eGFR May Not Mean a Cure
30:46 - When to Ask About Cystatin C
32:21 - Declining eGFR With Stage 4 CKD
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult directly with your primary care physician, cardiologist, or nephrologist before starting, stopping, or altering any healthcare routine, medication, supplement, or diet plan.
#DadviceTV #KidneyDisease #CKD #eGFR #KidneyFunction #ChronicKidneyDisease #Creatinine #Proteinuria #KidneyHealth #Stage3CKD #Stage4CKD #DrRosansky