Is a Lactate Dehydrogenase Level of 294 Considered Normal?

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) can be found in various parts of the human body, such as the kidneys, myocardium, and skeletal muscles. Clinically, the detection of lactate dehydrogenase can be used to diagnose diseases. The overall level of lactate dehydrogenase in the human body is maintained in a balanced state. Any increase or decrease in its level may be indicative of a disease, and it is essential to quickly identify the cause and address it. So, is it normal for lactate dehydrogenase to be 294? Let's take a closer look.

An elevated level of lactate dehydrogenase is not normal. Lactate dehydrogenase is a zinc-containing metalloprotein with a molecular weight of 135-140kD. It is one of the essential enzyme systems involved in anaerobic glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. It catalyzes the reduction and oxidation reactions between propionic acid and L-lactic acid, as well as related α-keto acids. LDH is widely distributed in human tissues, with the highest content in the kidneys, followed by the myocardium and skeletal muscles. LDH levels in red blood cells are approximately 100 times higher than in normal serum. Common causes for elevated LDH levels include:

Muscular dystrophy: In patients with muscular dystrophy, LDH4 and LDH5 levels in the blood are significantly elevated.

Liver disease: When liver cells are damaged due to liver pathology, LDH4 and LDH5 levels in the blood will increase significantly.

LDH5/LDH4: The ratio of LDH5 to LDH4 can provide additional information for diagnosing certain diseases. However, it is important to note that the interpretation of LDH levels and ratios should be done in the context of a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including other relevant laboratory tests and symptoms.