Explaining GFR to Patients
GFR should be explained to patients as "kidney filtration power" - a measure of how well their kidneys are filtering blood, with normal values typically above 60 ml/min/1.73m² and declining values indicating progressive kidney function loss. 1
What is GFR?
When explaining GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) to patients, use these key points:
- Simple definition: "GFR measures how well your kidneys are filtering your blood - think of your kidneys as filters that clean your blood" 1
- Numerical understanding: "Your GFR number tells us how many milliliters of blood your kidneys can filter each minute" 1, 2
- Normal values: "A healthy GFR is usually above 90, with values between 60-89 considered mildly reduced but still functioning well for most people" 1
Explaining GFR Stages
Break down GFR values into easy-to-understand stages:
- GFR ≥90: "Your kidneys are filtering at full strength" (Stage 1 if other kidney problems exist)
- GFR 60-89: "Your kidneys have mild reduction in filtering power" (Stage 2)
- GFR 30-59: "Your kidneys have moderate reduction in filtering power" (Stage 3)
- GFR 15-29: "Your kidneys have severe reduction in filtering power" (Stage 4)
- GFR <15: "Your kidneys are close to failure and may soon need dialysis" (Stage 5) 1
Making It Relatable
Use these analogies to help patients understand:
- Filter analogy: "Your kidneys work like filters that clean your blood. GFR tells us how well these filters are working." 1
- Number analogy: "Just like you know your blood pressure or cholesterol numbers, you should know your GFR number as part of understanding your kidney health." 1
- Age context: "It's normal for kidney function to decrease somewhat with age, similar to how other body functions change as we get older." 1, 3
Important Points to Emphasize
- Not just creatinine: "Your doctor doesn't just look at creatinine levels alone, as they can be misleading. The GFR calculation considers your age, gender, race, and body size to give a more accurate picture." 1, 2
- Monitoring changes: "We track your GFR over time to see if your kidney function is stable, improving, or declining." 1
- Context matters: "For people over 70, a slightly lower GFR may be normal and not concerning." 3
Common Patient Questions
"What affects my GFR number?"
- Age (kidney function naturally declines with age)
- Certain medications
- Dehydration (can temporarily lower GFR)
- Kidney diseases
- High blood pressure and diabetes (can damage kidneys over time) 1, 2
"How often should my GFR be checked?"
- For people with diabetes: At least once a year
- For people with known kidney disease: 1-4 times per year depending on severity
- For people taking medications that affect kidneys: As recommended by your doctor 2
"Can I improve my GFR?"
- Controlling blood pressure and diabetes
- Staying well-hydrated
- Avoiding medications that can harm kidneys
- Following your doctor's recommendations for diet and exercise 1, 2
Important Cautions When Discussing GFR
- Avoid medical jargon: Terms like "glomerular" and "filtration" can be confusing without explanation
- Emphasize trends: A single GFR measurement is less important than changes over time
- Provide context: Help patients understand what their specific number means for their health
- Avoid causing unnecessary alarm: Explain that mild reductions in GFR, especially in older adults, may not indicate disease 3
By explaining GFR in simple, relatable terms and helping patients understand what their numbers mean, you can improve their comprehension of kidney health and encourage appropriate follow-up and self-care behaviors.