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LDH isoenzymes - Results

Alternative Names

LD; Lactic (lactate) dehydrogenase isoenzymes

What abnormal results mean:

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:

Heart attack
Hemolytic anemia
Hypotension
Infectious mononucleosis
Intestinal ischemia (blood deficiency) and infarction (tissue death)
Liver disease such as hepatitis
Muscle injury
Muscular dystrophy
Pancreatitis
Lung tissue death
Stroke
Ischemic cardiomyopathy

Blood test

Reviewed last on: 3/14/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

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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