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Heart Health

Ask the doctors: Could I have serious kidney damage?

October 1, 2012

Q.I am 72 years old, and have had diabetes and high blood pressure for about 15 years. I thought these problems were pretty well controlled, but I recently learned that my kidney function is declining. My creatinine level is now 2.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). How serious is this?

You might also ask if there is protein in your urine, which would mean your kidneys are somewhat damaged. This is another important warning sign.

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