Albumin / Creatinine Ratio

A high albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) indicates albuminuria — excess protein in urine — which often signals kidney damage or increased glomerular permeability. Causes include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, infections, or transient factors (exercise, fever). It raises risk for progressive kidney disease and cardiovascular events. Repeat testing and assessment (blood pressure/glucose control, medication review, nephrology referral) are usually recommended.

High albumin in urine (albuminuria) signals kidney filtering damage and may be an early sign of chronic kidney disease. It can cause foamy urine, fluid retention (edema), and indicates higher risk for worsening kidney function and cardiovascular disease. Causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, heavy exercise or dehydration. Prompt medical evaluation, blood pressure and blood sugar control, and kidney‑protective medications can slow progression.

A healthy albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is under 30 mg/g (under 3 mg/mmol). ACR 30–300 mg/g (3–30 mg/mmol) indicates increased albuminuria and higher kidney damage risk; over 300 mg/g (over 30 mg/mmol) signals severe albuminuria and substantial risk of progressive kidney disease or failure. Treatment aims to lower ACR below 30 mg/g and control blood pressure, blood sugar, and other risks.

A normal urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is under 3 mg/mmol in adults. An ACR of 3–30 mg/mmol indicates moderately increased albumin (microalbuminuria); over 30 mg/mmol indicates severely increased albumin (macroalbuminuria). One elevated result should be repeated and interpreted with clinical context, as factors like exercise, infection, or dehydration can affect ACR.

A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) above 300 mg/g is considered severely elevated and signals significant kidney damage (macroalbuminuria). Levels 30–300 mg/g indicate moderate damage; under 30 mg/g is normal. ACR >300 mg/g requires prompt medical assessment and management to reduce risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular complications. See a clinician promptly; you may need tests and treatment.

Is high albumin worrying? Mildly elevated albumin (hyperalbuminemia) is uncommon and usually reflects dehydration, high‑protein intake, medication effects, or lab variation rather than liver disease. It’s rarely serious by itself. Recheck levels, correct hydration, review medications, and see your clinician if elevation persists or you have symptoms (fever, weight loss, swelling, confusion) or other abnormal tests so causes can be investigated.