What causes elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels?
Jul 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels may be caused by factors such as intense physical exercise, pregnancy, viral hepatitis, acute glomerulonephritis, or myocardial infarction. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's guidance for treatment. In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and paying attention to food hygiene to prevent infections are advised.
Generally, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels may be caused by intense exercise, pregnancy, viral hepatitis, acute glomerulonephritis, myocardial infarction, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice and receive treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Intense Exercise
During intense exercise, muscles undergo anaerobic respiration, producing lactic acid. This leads to an increase in lactate dehydrogenase within muscle cells, with some of the enzyme being released into the bloodstream, causing elevated serum LDH levels. It is important to maintain a reasonable exercise intensity in daily life, adequately warm up before exercising, and stretch and relax afterward.
2. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women experience an increased metabolic rate, and fetal growth and development place additional strain on the body, leading to enhanced tissue cell metabolism and increased release of lactate dehydrogenase into the blood. Pregnant women should undergo regular prenatal checkups, monitor changes in health indicators, maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate rest, and avoid excessive fatigue.
3. Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is primarily caused by infection of the liver with hepatitis viruses. Inflammation and necrosis of liver cells cause intracellular lactate dehydrogenase to be released into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated levels. Symptoms may also include fatigue, decreased appetite, jaundice, and others. Patients can use medications such as entecavir tablets, polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, and compound glycyrrhizin tablets under a doctor's supervision.
4. Acute Glomerulonephritis
Acute glomerulonephritis may be triggered by infection with beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The immune response affects the kidneys, causing glomerular damage. Damaged kidney cells release lactate dehydrogenase, increasing its levels in the blood. Symptoms may also include hematuria, proteinuria, and edema. Patients should take medications such as penicillin V potassium tablets, hydrochlorothiazide tablets, and captopril tablets as advised by a doctor.
5. Myocardial Infarction
Myocardial infarction is often caused by the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries, leading to ischemia and necrosis of the myocardium. When myocardial cells are damaged, intracellular lactate dehydrogenase is released in large quantities into the bloodstream, causing elevated LDH levels. Symptoms may also include chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Patients should take medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, nitroglycerin tablets, and metoprolol tartrate tablets as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Additionally, attention should be given to food hygiene to prevent infections.
