Causes of Elevated Lactate Dehydrogenase

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme present in various tissues throughout the body and primarily participates in lactate metabolism. When the level of LDH in the body rises, it typically indicates a problem with certain tissues or organs. 1. **Tissue damage**: Elevated LDH levels are commonly seen in various types of tissue damage, such as myocardial infarction, hepatitis, and kidney disease. During a myocardial infarction, for example, damaged cardiac muscle cells release large amounts of LDH. Similarly, in hepatitis or cirrhosis, injury to liver cells can also lead to increased levels of this enzyme. 2. **Malignant tumors**: In certain cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia, the destruction or proliferation of tumor cells can cause LDH to be released into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated enzyme levels. 3. **Blood disorders**: Conditions such as hemolytic anemia, in which red blood cell destruction is accelerated, may also lead to increased LDH levels. If abnormal LDH levels are detected, prompt medical consultation at a hospital is recommended.