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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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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
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
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
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What Causes Elevated D-dimer?

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