Cystatin C

Cystatin C

What's

Cystatin C

Cystatin C is a small protein that your body constantly makes, and it's important for your overall health. It gets removed from your blood by your kidneys, which are two bean-shaped organs located near your lower back on both sides of your spine. Your kidneys act like a natural filter for your body, taking out waste and extra fluid from your blood to create urine. Cystatin C is one of the things they filter, and it's often used to check how well your kidneys are working. It's a trustworthy sign because its levels in the blood don't usually change with what you eat or how much muscle you have. So, by examining Cystatin C, we can get a clear idea of how effectively your kidneys are doing their job.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated Cystatin C levels might mean that your kidneys are having a bit of trouble filtering waste and extra fluid from your blood. This could be due to various reasons, such as long-term health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, which can make it harder for your kidneys to work properly. Some medications, like those for heartburn or acid reflux, could also impact your kidney function and lead to higher Cystatin C levels. Even things like not drinking enough water or eating a lot of protein-rich foods might temporarily increase your Cystatin C levels. Keep in mind that while high Cystatin C levels can point to a decrease in kidney function, it doesn't always mean there's a serious problem going on.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Cystatin C may not be immediately noticeable, as kidney function can decline gradually over time. However, some people might experience fatigue, loss of appetite, or swelling in the hands and feet.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of Cystatin C might mean that your kidneys are working better than average at filtering waste from your blood. This could be due to various factors, such as drinking lots of water, eating a diet low in protein, or taking certain medications that help your kidneys work more efficiently. It's also possible that this is just a normal variation for your body, as everyone is unique and what's considered normal can differ from person to person. Keep in mind that low Cystatin C levels don't necessarily indicate a specific health issue or diagnosis, but rather give us an idea of how well your kidneys are functioning.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Cystatin C are typically not noticeable, as this condition often doesn't present any specific signs or discomfort.

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See References

Test for

Cystatin C by Boston Heart Diagnostics

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring cystatin C. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

Cystatin C by Access Labcorp Draw

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring cystatin C.

CardioMetabolic Profile by Doctor's Data

Serum

The CardioMetabolic Profile evaluates risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic factors associated with metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes.

Cystatin C by Access Med Labs

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring cystatin C.

Metabolomic Profile by Doctor's Data

Serum

The Metabolomic Profile assesses an at-risk patient's likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome. Early detection of metabolic syndrome risk is important because associated symptoms may not be evident until it is well advanced.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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