What is Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase? Functions and Clinical Significance
Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme crucial in converting lactate to pyruvate and vice versa. It plays a vital role in cellular energy production.
Learn here the LDH full form, roles, and applications of Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase in human health.
What is the LDH Test?
The LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) test measures the level of an enzyme involved in energy production. Found in tissues such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and muscles, high or low levels of LDH can indicate tissue damage. This test is commonly used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as heart disease, liver damage, and muscle injuries.
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Who Should Have the LDH Test?
The LDH test is recommended for individuals who might be experiencing symptoms of tissue damage. People who may benefit from the test include those with:
Heart problems (such as after a heart attack)
Liver or kidney diseases
Muscle injuries or disorders
Cancer patients
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Understanding LDH Levels
LDH is made up of five different isoenzymes, which are present in specific organs and tissues:
LDH-1: Found in the heart and red blood cells.
LDH-2: Found in white blood cells.
LDH-3: Present in the lungs.
LDH-4: Found in the kidneys and pancreas.
LDH-5: Present in the liver and muscles.
A higher level of LDH in any of these isoenzymes can indicate damage to the corresponding organs.
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What Can High LDH Levels Mean?
High LDH levels suggest tissue damage. Common reasons for elevated LDH include:
Heart attacks (LDH-1 and LDH-2)
Liver disease (LDH-5)
Muscle injury or damage (LDH-5)
Blood disorders like anemia (LDH-1)
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What’s a Normal LDH Range?
The normal range for LDH levels in the blood is between 140 and 280 units per liter. This range can slightly vary based on the lab and the methods they use.
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What Do Low LDH Levels Mean?
Low LDH levels are less common and usually don’t cause concern. They can mean that there is no tissue damage or, in rare cases, may indicate a genetic condition that affects the body’s production of LDH.
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What Medications Can Raise LDH Levels?
Certain medications may cause a rise in LDH levels as a side effect. These include:
Statins (used to lower cholesterol)
Chemotherapy drugs
Pain medications like NSAIDs
Antidepressants
These medications may affect organs and increase LDH levels in the blood.
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Conclusion:
Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH) plays a key role in energy metabolism and cellular function. Its levels are crucial indicators of tissue health, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions. Understanding LDH helps in monitoring overall health and detecting potential issues early.Start your NEET and medical entrance exam prep with Vedantu’s easy-to-understand study materials and engaging video lessons, designed to help you learn better and score higher.
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FAQs on IDH Full Form: Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase
1. What is the LDH test used for?
The LDH test is used to measure the amount of lactate dehydrogenase in your blood to check for tissue damage, monitor diseases, and assess organ function.
2. How is the LDH test performed?
It is a simple blood test where a sample is drawn from a vein in your arm to measure LDH levels.
3. What does a high LDH level indicate?
High LDH levels can indicate tissue damage in organs like the heart, liver, or muscles, and are commonly seen in heart attacks, liver disease, and muscle injury.
4. How long does it take to get LDH test results?
Results typically take a few hours to a day, depending on the laboratory and testing facility.
5. What is the normal range for LDH levels?
The normal range for LDH is typically between 140 and 280 units per liter, though this may vary slightly from one lab to another.
6. Can low LDH levels be harmful?
Low LDH levels are rare and generally not harmful, but they may indicate a lack of tissue damage or, in some cases, a rare genetic condition.
7. What conditions can cause high LDH levels?
High LDH levels can be caused by conditions such as heart attacks, liver disease, kidney disorders, muscle injuries, and certain cancers.
8. Do medications affect LDH levels?
Yes, medications like statins, chemotherapy drugs, and painkillers (NSAIDs) can cause an increase in LDH levels due to their impact on organs.
9. What is the purpose of checking LDH levels in cancer patients?
LDH levels are monitored in cancer patients to check for tumor growth or tissue damage caused by the cancer or its treatments.
10. What other tests are used alongside the LDH test?
Doctors may use other tests like liver function tests, cardiac enzyme tests, and kidney function tests to complement the LDH test and identify the underlying cause of elevated levels.
