Kidneys & Old Age | Age 65, GFR 45 , Is This Normal?

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely related concepts, but they represent different aspects of kidney health, including age-related changes.

1. *Glomerular filtration rate (GFR):* GFR is a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. It specifically measures the rate at which blood is filtered through the glomeruli, which are tiny structures in the kidneys responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids. GFR is typically measured in milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters of body surface area (ml/min/1.73 m²). A decline in GFR is a natural part of aging, with average rates declining by about 1 ml/min/1.73 m² per year after the age of 40. However, significant declines in GFR can also be indicative of kidney disease.

2. *Chronic kidney disease (CKD):* CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood properly. It is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. CKD is typically classified into five stages based on GFR levels and other markers of kidney damage, with stage 1 being the mildest and stage 5 being the most severe. Age-related decline in GFR contributes to the risk of developing CKD, but other factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain medications can also increase the risk.

While age-related decline in GFR is a natural process, it's essential to distinguish it from CKD, which represents a pathological condition where kidney function is impaired beyond what is expected for age. Regular monitoring of kidney function, including GFR, is important for identifying CKD early and implementing appropriate interventions to slow its progression. This may include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation.

In summary, age-related loss of GFR is a normal part of aging, whereas CKD represents a chronic condition characterized by progressive kidney damage and impaired function. While aging increases the risk of developing CKD, not all age-related declines in GFR lead to CKD, and distinguishing between the two is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.
Age related loss of GFR or CKD ?? Old age can also decrease GFR and older people have higher risk of CKD … how to differentiate
Shafiq Cheema
MBBS(KE), MD (USA), Diplomate American Board Internal Medicine, Diplomate American Board of Nephrology, Fellow American College Physician (FACP), Fellow American College of Nephrology (FASN), Hypertension specialist by ASH...


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Professor Dr. Shafiq Cheema is a Gold Medalist and was the most distinguished Graduate of KEMU, in 1996. He has extensive training & experience in the field of Internal Medicine, Hypertension, and Nephrology. He is a Diplomat American Board of Internal Medicine and Nephrology as well as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and American Society of Nephrology. He is a renowned Hypertension specialist by ASH. He was lately appointed as Professor of Nephrology at AIMC-Jinnah Hospital. He is amongst America’s top Nephrologists and the world's leading physician. He is the Founder & Patron in Chief of Pak Kidney Foundation (PKF), Chairperson MD Nephrology UHS, and Founder of NephChat with Dr. Shafiq Cheema, providing valuable awareness through YouTube videos related to different diseases. He has worked extensively in the USA in senior positions, including, as former Medical Director of FMC North America, USA, Former Assistant Professor UTHSC Texas, Former Chief of Medicine LMC Texas.