Lactate Dehydrogenase
Full Form of LDH
What is LDH?
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in nearly all body tissues, with the highest concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscles, red blood cells, and lungs. It plays a crucial role in anaerobic metabolism by catalyzing the reversible conversion of lactate to pyruvate and vice versa. In the Indian healthcare system, LDH testing is frequently done as a non-specific biomarker for tissue damage, often used to assess conditions such as myocardial infarction, hemolytic anemia, liver disease, muscular dystrophy, and advanced cancers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, LDH levels gained particular attention in India as an indicator of disease severity and lung injury. The test is commonly ordered by physicians in hospitals and clinics across the country, especially in critical care settings. It is also part of routine biochemistry panels in diagnostic labs. For students preparing for medical entrance exams like NEET or PGIMER, understanding the role of LDH in metabolic pathways and clinical conditions is essential. Elevated LDH levels indicate cell death but are not specific to any single organ, so doctors interpret results alongside other markers like ALT, AST, and CK. Regular monitoring of LDH helps track disease progression and treatment response, making it a valuable tool in Indian clinical practice.
LDH का फुल फॉर्म
लैक्टेट डिहाइड्रोजिनेज
Example
The cardiologist recommended an LDH test along with troponin to evaluate the extent of cardiac damage after the patient's heart attack.