“Elevated d-dimer?”

While patients with pulmonary embolism or DVT in the acute phase usually have high Ddimer levels, individuals with high Ddimer do not necessarily have an underlying thromboembolic disease. They may have several other pathological and nonpathological conditions Elevated Ddimer levels can be caused by a variety of conditions, including blood clotting disorders like deep vein thrombosis DVT and pulmonary embolism PE, but also by other factors such as pregnancy, infection, inflammation, cancer, recent surgery, trauma, and even normal aging. Its important to note that a high Ddimer level doesnt automatically mean a clot is present, and its crucial to interpret the results within a clinical context. Ddimer may be high due to physiologic conditions, including aging, pregnancy, and strenuous physical activity.20 Terri Arthur, RN, BS, MS

Its completely understandable that youre feeling anxious about your Ddimer result, but let me help put it into perspective. A Ddimer of 0.81 likely 0.81 mgL FEU or 810 ngmL FEU is only slightly elevated, depending on the reference range of the lab, which usually considers anything below 0.50 mgL FEU or 500 ngmL FEU normal. Its important to know that Ddimer can rise for many reasons besides a blood clot. Mild elevations can be seen with things like minor injury, inflammation, infection, recent surgery, being slightly overweight, or simply age, as Ddimer levels tend to increase a bit as we get older. The most reassuring part is that your CT scan showed no clots in your chest. A CT angiogram is the gold standard test for ruling out pulmonary embolism, and a clear scan means you dont have a clot, regardless of the Ddimer level. Thats why your doctors arent recommending a repeat Ddimer at this timeit wouldnt provide any additional helpful information. Moving forward, the most important thing is to monitor for any new or worsening symptoms, like sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or pain, or coughing up blood. If any of these occur, you should seek medical attention promptly. But based on what youve shared, your slightly elevated Ddimer and clear CT scan are not cause for alarm. If youd like, I can also offer suggestions for healthy lifestyle steps to help reduce any future risk of clots, such as staying active and maintaining a healthy weight. Please let me know if you have any new symptoms or other concerns. Dr. Alicia L. Turner DNP, RN Get Outlook for iOShttpsaka.mso0ukef

Typically when someone has an elevated D dimer the next step is a CT to rule out pulmonary embolism. It sounds like your CT did not show an embolism so you can rest easier on that. A D dimer only indicates that there may be some sort of clotting disorder. It doesn't give any specifics. A PT/ PTT/ INR blood test could further check to see if you are having clotting issues. If these are abnormal there are medications to treat it. If it is normal then there are other things that could have influenced your D dimer result. Repeating the D dimer at this point really isn't going to help pinpoint what the cause was. Hopefully your primary MD will continue to keep an eye on things and order follow up labs as necessary.