Ldh in blood what is it

They also help find out how well treatment for lymphoma is working. Each lab has a different range for what's normal.

Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors.

A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you. Many diseases can cause LDH levels to go up. Other tests are usually needed to confirm a diagnosis. Extremely high levels of LDH could indicate severe disease or multiple organ failure. A diagnosis will also require the use of other tests and images in addition to measuring the levels of LDH.

Before the discovery of other blood markers for heart injury, LDH was used to monitor people with heart attacks. Now, troponin, a protein produced more specifically in heart cells, is often a more accurate indicator of a heart attack. Once your doctor diagnoses your particular condition, they may measure your LDH levels regularly to track the progress of your treatment. LDH deficiency affects how the body breaks down sugar for use as energy in cells, particularly muscle cells. Two types of genetic mutations cause low LDH levels.

People with the first type will experience fatigue and muscle pain, especially during exercise. While those with the second type may have no symptoms at all. Measuring LDH can be a useful tool for doctors when evaluating and treating certain medical conditions. Normal ranges vary with age. As scientists continue to learn more about the role of LDH in the body, the usefulness of monitoring LDH levels in certain diseases and conditions will likely increase.

Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to your entire body. When dying red blood cells outpace the bone…. Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases that damage and weaken your muscles over time. This damage and weakness is due to the lack of a…. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and causes abdominal tenderness and pain.

Alcohol also can affect your LDH levels. You don't need to get ready for this test. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use. Search Encyclopedia. Lactate Dehydrogenase Blood Does this test have other names? LDH What is this test? Why do I need this test? What other tests might I have along with this test?

What do my test results mean? LDH-1 is found primarily in heart muscle and red blood cells. LDH-2 is concentrated in white blood cells. LDH-3 is highest in the lung. LDH-4 is highest in the kidney, placenta, and pancreas. LDH-5 is highest in the liver and skeletal muscle. All of these can be measured in the blood.

What Abnormal Results Mean LDH levels that are higher than normal may suggest: Hemolytic anemia Hypotension Infectious mononucleosis Intestinal ischemia blood deficiency or infarction tissue death Ischemic cardiomyopathy Liver disease such as hepatitis Lung tissue death Muscle injury Muscular dystrophy Pancreatitis Stroke. Risks There is little risk in having your blood taken. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include: Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Multiple punctures to locate veins Hematoma blood accumulating under the skin Infection a slight risk any time the skin is broken.