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LD; Lactic (lactate) dehydrogenase isoenzymes
Because LDH can be found in many tissues in the body, total LDH is not specific for heart disease.
Normally, the level of LDH-2 is greater than LDH-1. However, after a heart attack, LDH-1 is generally higher than LDH-2. This is called a "flipped" LDH pattern.
The LDH level rises within 24 - 72 hours after a heart attack, peaks in 3 - 4 days, and returns to normal in about 14 days.
Greater-than-normal LDH levels may suggest:
Abraham NZ Jr, Carty RP, DuFour DR, Pincus MR. Clinical enzymology. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 20.
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