High BUN/Creatinine Ratio: What It Means and Why It Matters

Understanding High BUN Creatinine Ratio: Causes, Symptoms & What It Means for Your Health. High BUN/Creatinine Ratio If you’ve recently had bloodwork done, you may have noticed something called the BUN/creatinine ratio in your lab results. This simple test is a useful indicator of how well your kidneys are functioning—but what does it mean when that ratio is high? Let’s break down what the BUN/creatinine ratio actually is, what can cause it to become elevated, and what it might be telling you about your health. BUN/creatinine ratio high levels may be due to conditions that lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys. What Is the BUN/Creatinine Ratio? BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen , a waste product formed in your liver when it breaks down protein. Creatinine is another waste product, created during the normal wear and tear of your muscles. Both substances are filtered out of your body by your kidneys and are measured in your blood during routine health screenings. The...