LDH (LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE), SERUM

LDH IS AN ENZYME FOUND IN VARIOUS TISSUES THROUGHOUT THE BODY, INCLUDING THE HEART, LIVER, SKELETAL MUSCLE, KIDNEYS, AND RED BLOOD CELLS. IT IS INVOLVED IN THE BREAKDOWN OF GLUCOSE FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION. WHEN TISSUES ARE DAMAGED OR DISEASED, LDH LEVELS IN THE BLOOD CAN INCREASE. ELEVATED LDH LEVELS CAN BE A SIGN OF CONDITIONS SUCH AS HEART ATTACKS, LIVER DISEASE, HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA, MUSCLE DAMAGE, AND CERTAIN CANCERS. HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT ELEVATED LDH LEVELS ALONE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH TO DIAGNOSE A SPECIFIC CONDITION, AND FURTHER TESTING MAY BE NECESSARY TO DETERMINE THE UNDERLYING CAUSE.