Why Is Your D-dimer High?

A D-dimer test is a blood test that measures for blood-clotting problems, but there may be several factors leading up to elevated levels of D-dimer such as an infection, inflammation, trauma, surgery, malignant tumor, etc. Your D-dimer levels are also usually elevated during pregnancy with increased variability.

Clearing Up D-dimer Myths: What Makes Them High?

D-dimer is a piece of protein our bodies make when a blood clot dissolves. It is generally highly sensitive with low specification, meaning there are often times when you may test for high d-dimer levels in many cases.

The protein is usually used to expel major embolic diseases, like pulmonary embolism or deep or superficial vein thrombosis.

There may also be other physiological or medicational reasons that cause an elevated D-dimer such as pregnancy, malignant tumor, smoking, trauma, infection, septicemia, surgery, or even in the elderly, those who are sedentary, or those with immune diseases.

Did you know this? After taking ovidrel, the medication causes a slight fibrinolytic reaction that then causes a temporary increase in D-dimer levels!

What’s The D-dimer Level?

Under normal circumstances, the standard level of D-dimer is around 0.5μg/ml (500 ng/ml). If a blood test shows an abnormal level, it is important to first assess other reasons and exclude influencing factors that could cause an elevated D-dimer. Since it’s a protein whose levels fluctuate easily, it’s crucial to stay calm and assess first.

Pregnancy itself is a hypercoagulable state, and D-dimer levels will increase and change as hormones change too. Therefore, doing suitable exercises is still important during pregnancy, and pay attention to whether there is swelling in the feet.

As for too many rice dumplings during Dragon Boat Festival, technically your D-dimer levels won’t be affected (it might be your stomach though!)

Author’s Information:

NUWA Fertility Center

Dr. Shen Mung Shun

Deputy Medical Director

Main Services:

IVF, IUI, egg freezing, ovarian dysfunction, early ovarian failure, endometriosis, hysteroscopic surgery, advanced obstetrics and gynecology surgery, PCOS, endocrine abnormalities, egg research, immaturity egg culture

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