Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
Current as of: December 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a protein (enzyme) that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. It is found in red blood cells and in many organs, including the heart, liver, muscles, lungs, brain, and kidneys. There are five different fractions of LDH (called isoenzymes): LDH-1, LDH-2, LDH-3, LDH-4, and LDH-5. A blood test to measure LDH levels is done to check for damage to organs throughout the body. The amounts of each isoenzyme also may be measured to help determine what organ may be damaged. Some conditions that increase LDH levels include stroke, heart attack, anemia, and hepatitis. Current as of: December 9, 2019 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine |
![]() |
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2020 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |