D-Dimer Question

lovebug1

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2009

Posts : 30

Posted 2/9/2010 4:23 PM (GMT 0)

Went to the ER Frdayi with rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Had a d-dimer test come in at 773. Ct scan of head and chest, all clear for blood clots. Sent home..

Yesterday, monday, went back to ER, same symptoms, dimer done again, this time at 1008. ultrasound of legs, all clear of blood clots..

What else could this be and why is the dimer rising.. very concerned,.. have an appt today with cardiologist.. husband traveling, home all with 2 small children... concerned about wellbeing...

Becky77

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 1768

Posted 2/28/2010 10:14 PM (GMT 0)

D-Dimer can give a false positive result. Sometimes that's the reason for further testing. Good thing all your other tests have been normal though. Hopefully the cardiologist will have more answers for you.

(I was just browsing here because of my history of clots, and saw your post. By now you may have gone to the dr and hopefully you've gotten some answers!)

stkitt

Elite Member

Joined : Apr 2007

Posts : 32602

Posted 3/1/2010 4:00 PM (GMT 0)

FYI all members,

D-dimer tests are ordered, along with other laboratory tests and imaging scans, to help rule out, diagnose, and monitor diseases and conditions that cause a tendency to clot inappropriately.

D-dimer may be ordered when a patient has symptoms of DVT, such as leg pain, tenderness, swelling, discoloration, edema; or symptoms of PE, such as labored breathing, coughing, and lung-related chest pain. D-dimer is especially useful when the doctor thinks that something other than DVT or PE is causing the symptoms. It is a quick, non-invasive way for the doctor to help rule out abnormal or excess clotting.

Kitt

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