Inquiring About Elevated Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels: Questions for My Physician
Greetings everyone! I have a query regarding elevated levels of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH). To provide some context: - I am a 71-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 163 pounds, maintaining a physically active lifestyle with daily exercise. - I was diagnosed with a myeloproliferative blood disorder, specifically essential thrombocythemia, about 15 years ago. - My latest platelet count was slightly above the normal threshold at 428, in contrast to over one million a decade ago. - My only medication consists of a low dosage of aspirin. - I am pre-diabetic, with my most recent A1C reading at 5.7. - Additionally, I have mild anemia, and my BUN levels are at 28 mg/dl. - Importantly, I have not experienced a heart attack. Recently, my LDH level measured at 403 IU/L, and it has remained elevated for several years. I consult with a hematologist/oncologist biannually regarding my anemia and platelet levels. The LDH levels have been fractionated, but the tests did not reveal any significant results. Unfortunately, my specialist is currently unsure of the underlying cause for these elevated LDH readings and has suggested a cautious wait-and-see strategy. Given this, my primary concern is what further tests I should consider requesting to identify the root cause of the high LDH levels? I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 5:40:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about elevated Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, especially given your medical history. LDH is an enzyme found in many tissues throughout the body, and elevated levels can indicate various issues, including tissue damage, hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), or other medical conditions. Your history with essential thrombocythemia and mild anemia may also play a role in your LDH levels.
Explanation:
LDH elevation can occur for various reasons related to blood conditions, liver function, or even muscle injury. In your case, since tests have not revealed any significant results and your specialist prefers a wait-and-see approach, it may mean that the elevated levels are not currently causing health problems. However, it's prudent to stay informed and consider further investigations if necessary.
Next Steps:
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Discuss Symptoms and Changes: Keep a detailed record of any new symptoms you may have. If you notice changes in energy levels, any unusual bruising, or signs of bleeding, bring these up with your specialist in your next appointment.
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Consider Additional Tests:
- Repeat LDH Tests: Regular monitoring can help identify any trends in your LDH levels.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): This can provide more information about your liver function and kidney health, which may help pinpoint the cause of elevation.
- Hematology Workup: Discuss the possibility of checking for other underlying conditions that may not have been fully explored, like thyroid function tests or specific autoimmune markers.
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Lifestyle Monitoring: Continue maintaining your active lifestyle, as regular exercise can help manage your overall health, including blood sugar levels which is crucial as you are pre-diabetic.
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Patient Advocacy: If discussions with your current physicians don't yield satisfactory insight or solutions, consider seeking a second opinion from another hematologist if you're comfortable doing so.
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Maintain Communication: Keep in touch with your healthcare team. Regular communication about your concerns and any changes in your health status is key.
Staying proactive about your health and maintaining open dialogues with your healthcare providers will assist in identifying the underlying issue of your elevated LDH levels. If you have further concerns or experience new symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out.
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