What happens to LDH 1 & 2 ratio in MI?
**Core Concept:** Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme present in various tissues, particularly in the heart, liver, and muscles. Its activity increases during tissue injury or necrosis, including myocardial infarction (MI). LDH isoenzymes LDH-1 and LDH-2 are important for understanding the specific patterns of enzyme release in various tissues.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** In myocardial infarction (MI), a type of heart attack, the heart muscle undergoes necrosis (cell death). This leads to a significant increase in the activity of LDH enzymes, particularly LDH-1 and -2. The LDH-1 isoenzyme is mainly found in the heart muscle, while LDH-2 is present in the liver and muscles. The increased LDH-1 activity in MI is because of the damaged heart muscle cells, while the increased LDH-2 activity is due to the damage in liver cells, which can occur secondary to MI (for example, due to a decrease in cardiac output affecting liver perfusion). The ratio of LDH-1 to LDH-2 can help differentiate between myocardial infarction and other causes of elevated LDH levels, such as liver disease.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. This option is incorrect because it does not address the specific increase in LDH-1 and LDH-2 ratios during myocardial infarction. LDH-1 will still be the primary enzyme elevated, but the focus should be on the increased LDH-2 due to liver damage in liver disease.
B. This option is incorrect because it does not address the specific increase in LDH-1 and LDH-2 ratios during myocardial infarction. In MI, the primary increase is in LDH-1, with a secondary increase in LDH-2 due to liver damage.
C. This option is incorrect as it does not address the specific increase in LDH-1 and LDH-2 ratios during myocardial infarction. The primary increase is in LDH-1, while LDH-2 elevation is due to liver damage in liver disease.
D. This option is incorrect because it does not address the specific increase in LDH-1 and LDH-2 ratios during myocardial infarction. The primary increase is in LDH-1, with a secondary increase in LDH-2 due to liver damage in liver disease.
**Clinical Pearl:** The ratio of LDH-1 to LDH-2 can help differentiate between myocardial infarction and liver disease, which may both present with elevated LDH levels. In myocardial infarction, the primary increase is in LDH-1, while a secondary increase in LDH-2 can be seen due to liver damage in liver disease. Understanding this ratio can aid in clinical decision-making and prompt appropriate management for patients presenting with raised LDH levels.