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What Causes Elevated D-dimer?
I am a 35 y/o female with a 4 month history of CP with SOA. I have had a Nuclear Stress test and an Echo, all which were normal. However, they did find that I have a Left Bundle Branch Block. I wore a 30 day halter monitor which revealed PVC's/PAC's, but not much else. I had the same chest pain last night above my left breast, with shortness of breath, and left arm numbness. After an hour I went to the ER. The normal tests were ordered, but the ER doctor also ordered a D-Dimer, and mine was elevated to 0.65. All other lab tests were WNL. She ordered a CT Angio of my chest which came back normal. She didn't explain what could cause the elevated D-Dimer, nor whether or not I should be concerned, or what I should do about it. I am on Metoprolol and Lisinopril for my heart.
Thu, 12 May 2016
Brief Answer:
The most serious health problems that may increase D-Dimer levels are excluded and the increase is not significant.
Check the D- Dimer level after 1 week.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM. I read your question carefully and I think you don't have to be worried because in your case, the most serious health problems that may increase D-Dimer levels are excluded. As your cardiac enzymes and your ECG did not show any new modifications this means that you were not suffering a myocardium infarction. Angio CT of the chest is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary thromboembolism, which in your case came out to be normal. Also the rise of the D-Dimer level is not so significant to indicate serious diseases.
A venous thromboembolism (VTE) is also a cause of high D-Dimer levels , but it can be excluded by the lack of symptoms suggestive for it and low increase of D- Dimer level. (Usually is significant for levels above 1)
A more possible cause in your case may be a systemic disease such as reumatological disease or infection.
Eventhough , what to do next ?
If I were your doctor , I should advice you to check D-Dimer level in blood after 1 week.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Juarda
The most serious health problems that may increase D-Dimer levels are excluded and the increase is not significant.
Check the D- Dimer level after 1 week.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM. I read your question carefully and I think you don't have to be worried because in your case, the most serious health problems that may increase D-Dimer levels are excluded. As your cardiac enzymes and your ECG did not show any new modifications this means that you were not suffering a myocardium infarction. Angio CT of the chest is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary thromboembolism, which in your case came out to be normal. Also the rise of the D-Dimer level is not so significant to indicate serious diseases.
A venous thromboembolism (VTE) is also a cause of high D-Dimer levels , but it can be excluded by the lack of symptoms suggestive for it and low increase of D- Dimer level. (Usually is significant for levels above 1)
A more possible cause in your case may be a systemic disease such as reumatological disease or infection.
Eventhough , what to do next ?
If I were your doctor , I should advice you to check D-Dimer level in blood after 1 week.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Juarda
I find this answer helpful
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