What does a high lactic acid level mean?

A high lactic acid value means lactic acidosis, which can be caused by: Severe loss of water from the blood (dehydration). Blood problems, such as severe anemia or leukemia. Liver disease or liver damage that prevents the liver from breaking down lactic acid in the blood.

How high is too high for lactic acid?

A level > 4 mmol/L defines lactic acidosis3, a level high enough to tip the acid-base balance, which may result in a serum pH < 7.35 in association with metabolic acidosis. Lactate can be measured from both venous and arterial blood. Serum samples should be processed within 15 minutes to avoid falsely elevated results.

Does Covid cause high lactic acid?

Another reason could be extensive microvascular thrombosis causing the tissue hypoxia which has been described in COVID-19 patients [8]. Significant contribution to high lactic acid levels probably also comes from the high WBC count [9].

What happens when you have too much lactic acid?

Lactic acid buildup can result in muscle pain, cramps, and muscular fatigue. These symptoms are typical during strenuous exercise and are not usually anything to worry about as the liver breaks down any excess lactate.

What are the symptoms of lactic acidosis?

The symptoms of lactic acidosis include abdominal or stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, diarrhea, fast, shallow breathing, a general feeling of discomfort, muscle pain or cramping, and unusual sleepiness, tiredness, or weakness. If you have any symptoms of lactic acidosis, get emergency medical help right away.

What can cause an elevated lactic acid?

A high lactic acid value means lactic acidosis, which can be caused by: Severe loss of water from the blood (dehydration). Blood problems, such as severe anemia or leukemia. Liver disease or liver damage that prevents the liver from breaking down lactic acid in the blood.

What elevates lactic acid?

Heart problems – There are a number of cardiac conditions and heart problems that can cause elevated lactic acid levels. For example, severe bleeding and shock can lead to higher production of lactic acid, as can severe infections. If there is a blockage of blood flow to your intestines, the result may be an increase in lactic acid.

What does high levels of lactic acid mean?

Very high levels of lactic acid cause a serious, sometimes life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis can also occur in a person who takes metformin (Glucophage) to control diabetes when heart or kidney failure or a severe infection is also present.

What causes low levels of lactic acid?

Lactic acid is produced when oxygen levels, become low in cells within the areas of the body where metabolism takes place. Causes. The most common cause of lactic acidosis is severe medical illness in which blood pressure is low and too little oxygen is reaching the body’s tissues.