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Oxford Kidney Unit

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Knowing your numbers (blood information)

Blood Pressure (BP)

Monitor your blood pressure.

Some patients find monitoring their blood pressure at home helpful. If you would like some help with this, please ask.

Blood Pressure is given as two figures, for example 130/80 mmHg.

The first figure is the 'systolic', measuring the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart pumps.

The second figure is the 'diastolic' measuring the pressure in between heart beats.

Systolic

  • Good 130 - 140
  • High 140 - 160
  • Very high more than 160

Diastolic

  • Good 70 - 90
  • High 90 - 100
  • Very high more than 100

Cholesterol

This is a fat in your blood which can raise yourrisk of a heart attack. The lower your cholesterol level the better.

  • Good 2 - 4
  • OK 4 - 5
  • High more than 5

Blood sugar

If you have diabetes you blood sugar level will be measured using a test called HbA1c. This
shows how well controlled your blood sugar levels have been for the past 2-3 months.

  • Good 6.5 - 7.5 percent
    48 - 59 mmol/mol
  • High 7.5 - 8.0 percent
    59 - 64 mmol/mol
  • Very high more than 8 percent
    64 mmol/mol

Kidney blood results

As well as eGFR there are other blood tests which give an idea of how well your kidneys are filtering waste products. It is important to understand how the results relate to your symptoms and your future planned care.

Please discuss any concerns with your team.

Potassium is a natural chemical or electrolyte which occurs in many foods. Very high levels can cause irregular heart rhythms and even cardiac arrest (stop your heart).

The dietitian will be able to advise you if you need to restrict foods containing potassium.

  • Normal 3.5 - 5.0
  • OK 5.1 - 6.0
  • High 6.1 - 6.9
  • Very high greater than 7

Creatinine is a breakdown product of normal muscle and meat in the diet. It is removed by the kidneys. This also shows the level of kidney function. The results can be affected by age and other factors.

  • Normal less than 100
  • Continuous monitoring 101 - 499
  • High greater than 500

Phosphate is a mineral in food that can build up in the body. High levels can cause itching, and sore red eyes.

Long-term, high phosphate levels can cause brittle weak bones, muscle and joint pain, and may cause serious heart problems. Diet and medications can help.

  • Normal less than 1.2
  • OK 1.2 - 1.5
  • High greater than 1.5

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