LDH
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme present in nearly all body tissues, with highest concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle, and red blood cells. It catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate. Elevated blood LDH indicates tissue damage or cell turnover from virtually any organ.
Why it matters: LDH is a non-specific marker of tissue damage — elevated levels signal that cells somewhere in the body are being destroyed. While non-specific alone, LDH is valuable in combination with other markers: elevated LDH with low haptoglobin indicates hemolysis; elevated LDH with elevated AST may indicate liver disease or muscle damage.
May increase with:
May decrease with:
What is LDH?
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme present in nearly all body tissues, with highest concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle, and red blood cells. It catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate. Elevated blood LDH indicates tissue damage or cell turnover from virtually any organ.
What might a high or low LDH mean?
LDH is a non-specific marker of tissue damage — elevated levels signal that cells somewhere in the body are being destroyed. While non-specific alone, LDH is valuable in combination with other markers: elevated LDH with low haptoglobin indicates hemolysis; elevated LDH with elevated AST may indicate liver disease or muscle damage.
What is the typical reference range for LDH?
The general-population reference range shown here is 125 – 220 U/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
What can affect LDH?
It may be higher with: Hemolytic anemia (RBC destruction), Liver disease, Myocardial infarction, Pulmonary embolism, Lymphoma and other cancers, Intense exercise, Muscle damage, Megaloblastic anemia (ineffective erythropoiesis). It may be lower with: Treating underlying cause of tissue damage, Resolution of hemolysis, Recovery from acute illness.