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.
a blood test to measure ldh levels is done to check for damage to organs throughout the body. some conditions that increase ldh levels include stroke, heart attack, anemia, and hepatitis.
current as of: september 8, 2022
author: healthwise staff
medical review:e. gregory thompson md - internal medicine & anne c. poinier md - internal medicine & adam husney md - family medicine & martin j. gabica md - family medicine & thomas m. bailey md - family medicine