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Lactate Dehydrogenase - LDH

What does the Lactate Dehydrogenase - LDH blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:

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Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in nearly all living cells. It plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, catalyzing the conversion of lactate to pyruvate and back. Elevated LDH levels in the blood can indicate tissue damage or disease in various organs, including the heart, liver, muscles, and red blood cells. This test is often used as a general marker of cellular damage and can help diagnose conditions such as myocardial infarction, liver disease, certain types of anemia, and some cancers. However, because LDH is present in many tissues, elevated levels alone are not specific to any particular condition and usually require further investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Acceptable Range:   125 to 250
Ideal for Women:   140-280
Ideal for Men:   140-280
Ideal for Girls:   140-280
Ideal for Boys:   140-280
Test Method: blood

What do readings below 125 U/L for Lactate Dehydrogenase - LDH mean?

A low LDH level is generally not considered clinically significant. In rare cases, it might indicate:

  1. Genetic LDH deficiency: A rare inherited disorder affecting energy production in cells.
  2. Vitamin C deficiency: Severe cases may lead to decreased LDH production.
  3. Certain medications: Some drugs can artificially lower LDH levels.

Low LDH levels typically don’t require treatment unless associated with specific symptoms or conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper interpretation and guidance.

What do readings above 250 U/L for Lactate Dehydrogenase - LDH mean?

Elevated LDH levels indicate cellular damage or increased cell turnover. Possible causes include:

  1. Heart conditions: Myocardial infarction, heart failure, or cardiomyopathy.
  2. Liver diseases: Hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
  3. Blood disorders: Hemolytic anemia, leukemia, or lymphoma.
  4. Muscle damage: Trauma, muscular dystrophy, or rhabdomyolysis.
  5. Certain cancers: Particularly those affecting rapidly dividing cells.
  6. Infections: Severe bacterial or viral infections.
  7. Tissue injury: Due to surgery, burns, or other trauma.

Further tests are usually needed to determine the specific cause of elevated LDH. Treatment depends on the underlying condition identified.

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