A normal blood lactate level is 0.5-1 mmol/L. 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.Click to see full answer. Then, what does a high lactic acid level mean?When the oxygen level is low, carbohydrate breaks down for energy and makes lactic acid. Lactic acid levels get higher when strenuous exercise or other conditions—such as heart failure, a severe infection (sepsis), or shock —lower the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body.Subsequently, question is, how do you treat high lactic acid levels? Increasing oxygen to the tissues and giving IV fluids are often used to reduce lactic acid levels. Lactic acidosis caused by exercising can be treated at home. Stopping what you're doing to hydrate and rest, often helps. Consequently, what lactic acid level indicates sepsis? Since the serum lactate level was decreased to 2 mmol/L, serum lactate level is a more sensitive marker for septic shock. Notably, serum lactate level >2 mmol/L indicates a condition that is similar to sepsis with low BP in this issue of Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) (3).What does a low lactic acid level mean?Normally, the level of lactic acid in the blood is low. Lactic acid levels rise when oxygen levels decrease. Low oxygen levels may be caused by: Strenuous exercise. Heart failure.