What does a low eGFR mean?

Low eGFR means your kidneys are filtering blood more slowly than normal. It can reflect temporary dehydration or long-term kidney disease, depending on persistence and context.

What causes low eGFR?

Age, dehydration, medications, diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease are common causes. Persistent eGFR below 60 for three months or more defines chronic kidney disease.

How is eGFR interpreted alongside creatinine?

eGFR is estimated from creatinine, age, and sex. High creatinine usually lowers eGFR, but results must be interpreted in context — muscle mass, hydration, and ethnicity all affect readings.

Is an eGFR of 55 bad?

An eGFR of 55 mL/min/1.73m² falls in the mildly to moderately reduced range. On its own, it does not confirm kidney disease unless it persists for three months or longer or is accompanied by abnormal urine or protein tests.

eGFR Low? What It Means for Kidney Health (AI, Plain-Language Guide)

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eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) estimates how well your kidneys filter waste from the blood. A low eGFR means your kidneys are working less efficiently. Because eGFR naturally declines with age, mild reductions in older adults can be normal, but persistent values below 60 mL/min/1.73m² may indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Note: eGFR values fluctuate with hydration, muscle mass, and recent protein intake. A single low result should always be confirmed with repeat testing before assuming kidney disease.

Common causes of low eGFR

Age-related decline in kidney function
Dehydration or volume loss
Diabetes or hypertension
Kidney inflammation or chronic kidney disease
Medications that affect kidney filtration (NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors)
Heart disease or reduced blood flow to kidneys

Interpreting eGFR stages

≥90: Normal kidney function
60–89: Mildly decreased (often normal if no symptoms or proteinuria)
45–59: Mild-to-moderate loss (Stage 3a CKD)
30–44: Moderate-to-severe loss (Stage 3b CKD)
15–29: Severe reduction (Stage 4 CKD)
<15: Kidney failure (Stage 5 CKD)

What to do next

Repeat test in a few weeks to confirm persistence
Check creatinine, BUN, and urine protein
Stay hydrated and review medication list with your clinician
Monitor blood pressure, glucose, and lifestyle factors

eGFR Low — Frequently Asked Questions

Is an eGFR of 55 considered bad?
An eGFR of 55 mL/min/1.73m² falls within the mildly to moderately reduced range. By itself, it does not confirm chronic kidney disease unless it persists for at least three months or appears with abnormal urine or protein tests.

Can low eGFR go back to normal?
Yes. eGFR can improve after hydration, recovery from illness, medication adjustments, or stabilization of blood pressure or blood sugar. A transient low value is common; persistent reductions require follow-up.

When should I worry about low eGFR?
Low eGFR deserves attention when it is trending downward, remains below 60 on repeat testing, or appears with symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, or decreased urine output. Protein in the urine or rising creatinine also increases concern and should be reviewed promptly.

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eGFR Low? What It Means for Kidney Health

Understanding kidney filtration, causes, and next steps

Common causes of low eGFR

Interpreting eGFR stages

What to do next

eGFR Low — Frequently Asked Questions