Low creatinine is an indicator of other health conditions and not a condition in and of itself. Therefore, the signs and symptoms depend on the underlying cause of low creatinine levels, Zuquello explains.
Most often, low creatinine is a result of low muscle mass, which can sometimes be a symptom of a very sedentary lifestyle, very old age, or a more serious health condition that causes muscle atrophy, like paraplegia or Lou Gehrig’s disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS), says Zuquello.
“If you suspect an issue with your creatinine levels, it’s wise to consult a primary care physician,” says Fakhri Kalolwala, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and primary care provider at Aqeeq Internal Medicine in Houston. “A PCP can evaluate your overall health, conduct necessary tests, and determine if you need to see a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.”
Since low creatinine doesn’t create any symptoms on its own, regular primary care visits and screenings are important for catching any abnormalities and diagnosing related health conditions as early as possible, Dr. Kalolwala says.
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