Alt ast high levels. AST (SGOT): Liver Function Test
What is an AST test?. How is it used to diagnose liver damage or disease?. What happens during the test?. What do the results mean?.
What is an AST Test?
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme that is found mostly in the liver, but it’s also in muscles and other organs in your body. When cells that contain AST are damaged, they release the AST into your blood. An AST blood test measures the amount of AST in your blood. The test is commonly used to help diagnose liver damage or disease.
What is it used for?
An AST blood test is often part of a routine blood screening to check the health of your liver. The test may help diagnose or monitor liver problems. It may also help diagnose other health conditions.
Why do I need an AST blood test?
You may get an AST blood test as part of your routine checkup or if you have symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, fatigue, weakness, jaundice, swelling and/or pain in your abdomen, swelling in your ankles and legs, dark-colored urine and/or light-colored stool, or frequent itching.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, your health care provider may order an AST blood test if you’re more likely to develop liver disease because of factors like a family history of liver disease, alcohol use disorder, obesity, diabetes, or taking certain medicines that can cause liver damage.
What happens during an AST blood test?
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out, but the process usually takes less than five minutes.
What do the results mean?
High levels of AST in the blood may be a sign of hepatitis, cirrhosis, mononucleosis, or other liver diseases. High AST levels may also be a sign of heart problems or pancreatitis. If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn’t always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment, as many things can affect your results, such as certain medicines and your age, sex, and diet.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Your health care provider may order an ALT blood test with your AST blood test. ALT stands for alanine transaminase, which is another type of liver enzyme. If you have high levels of AST and/or ALT, it may mean that you have some type of liver damage. You may also have an AST test as part of a group of liver function tests that measure ALT and other enzymes, proteins, and substances in the liver.
What can affect AST levels? Many factors can influence AST levels, including certain medications, alcohol use, and underlying medical conditions. For example, taking certain cholesterol-lowering drugs or pain relievers can cause elevated AST levels. Heavy alcohol consumption can also lead to increased AST levels as a result of liver damage. Additionally, conditions like viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and heart attack can all contribute to high AST readings.
How are AST and ALT used together? Doctors often order both AST and ALT tests together to get a more comprehensive picture of liver health. AST and ALT are both enzymes found in the liver, but they are released into the bloodstream in different patterns depending on the type of liver injury. Comparing the levels of these two enzymes can help differentiate between different types of liver diseases. For example, viral hepatitis tends to cause a greater increase in ALT than AST, while alcohol-related liver disease may result in a higher AST level.
Can exercise affect AST levels? Yes, strenuous exercise can temporarily increase AST levels, even in healthy individuals. This is because exercise can cause muscle damage, which leads to the release of AST from muscle cells into the bloodstream. The AST level typically returns to normal within a few days after the exercise. If you have had a recent intense workout, your doctor may interpret your AST test results with this in mind.
What other tests may be ordered along with AST? In addition to ALT, your doctor may order other liver function tests to get a more complete picture of your liver health. These may include tests for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time. Together, these tests can provide information about liver inflammation, bile flow, protein production, and blood clotting ability.
When should I get an AST test? Your doctor may recommend an AST test as part of your regular preventive health screening, even if you have no symptoms of liver disease. It’s commonly included in a basic metabolic panel or comprehensive metabolic panel, which are routine blood tests. Your doctor may also order an AST test if you have symptoms of liver problems, such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or fatigue. Periodic AST testing may also be needed to monitor liver health in people with chronic liver conditions or those taking medications that can affect the liver.
How is an elevated AST treated? The treatment for elevated AST levels depends on the underlying cause. If the high AST is due to a medication side effect, your doctor may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication. For liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis, treatment may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, a liver transplant. In some cases, such as with muscle injury, the AST level may simply need to be monitored and will return to normal on its own.
Can AST levels be too low? While high AST levels are more commonly a cause for concern, it is also possible to have AST levels that are abnormally low. Low AST can be seen in conditions like malnutrition, hypothyroidism, and Wilson’s disease. Very low AST may also occur after a severe episode of liver disease, as the liver has fewer functioning cells to produce the enzyme. However, isolated low AST is less common and usually less clinically significant than elevated AST.
AST Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test
What is an AST Test?
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme that is found mostly in the liver, but it’s also in muscles and other organs in your body. When cells that contain AST are damaged, they release the AST into your blood. An AST blood test measures the amount of AST in your blood. The test is commonly used to help diagnose liver damage or disease.
Other names: SGOT test, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase test; aspartate transaminase test
What is it used for?
An AST blood test is often part of a routine blood screening to check the health of your liver. The test may help diagnose or monitor liver problems. It may also help diagnose other health conditions.
Why do I need an AST blood test?
You may get an AST blood test as part of your routine checkup or if you have symptoms of liver damage. These may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Jaundice, a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow
- Swelling and/or pain in your abdomen (belly)
- Swelling in your ankles and legs
- Dark-colored urine (pee) and/or light-colored stool (poop)
- Frequent itching
Even if you don’t have symptoms, your health care provider may order an AST blood test if you’re more likely to develop liver disease because of:
- A family history of liver disease
- Alcohol use disorder
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Taking certain medicines that can cause liver damage
- Hepatitis or exposure to hepatitis
What happens during an AST blood test?
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
You don’t need any special preparations for an AST blood test. But an AST test is usually ordered with other blood tests. You usually need to fast (not eat or drink) for up to 12 hours before these tests. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.
Are there any risks to the test?
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
What do the results mean?
High levels of AST in the blood may be a sign of hepatitis, cirrhosis, mononucleosis, or other liver diseases. High AST levels may also be a sign of heart problems or pancreatitis.
If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn’t always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Many things can affect your results, such as certain medicines and your age, sex, and diet. To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.
Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
Is there anything else I need to know about an AST blood test?
Your health care provider may order an ALT blood test with your AST blood test. ALT stands for alanine transaminase, which is another type of liver enzyme. If you have high levels of AST and/or ALT, it may mean that you have some type of liver damage.
You may also have an AST test as part of a group of liver function tests that measure ALT, and other enzymes, proteins, and substances in the liver.
References
- American Liver Foundation. [Internet]. New York: American Liver Foundation; c2017. Diagnosing Liver Disease – Liver Biopsy and Liver Function Tests; [updated 2020 Feb 17; cited 2022 Feb 14]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://liverfoundation. org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diagnosing-liver-disease/
- Hinkle J, Cheever K. Brunner & Suddarth’s Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 2nd Ed, Kindle. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; c2014. Aspartate Aminotransferase; p. 68–69.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Tests; [cited 2022 Feb 14]; [about 15 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests
- Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA).: OneCare Media; c2022. Aspartate Aminotransferase: The Test; [modified 2021 Nov 9; cited 2022 Feb 14; [about 14 screens]. Available from: https://www.testing.com/test/aspartate-aminotransferase-ast/
- University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2017. Health Encyclopedia: Aspartate Transaminase; [cited 2017 Mar 13]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www. urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=aspartate_transaminase
AST (SGOT): Liver Function Test
Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps.
1. Please switch auto forms mode to off.
2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc).
3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow.
You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.
Locator
Contact
Search
Contact Us
FAQs
Ask a Question
Toll Free Numbers
Locator
Hospitals and Clinics
Vet Centers
Regional Benefits Offices
Regional Loan Centers
Cemetery Locations
VA »
Health Care »
Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease
» Hepatitis C » What’s New » For Patients
»
AST (SGOT): Liver Function Test
Menu
Menu
- Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease
- More Health Care
Quick Links
AST (SGOT): Liver Function Test
Hepatitis C
AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, is one of the two liver enzymes. It is also known as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, or SGOT. AST is a protein made by liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, AST leaks out into the bloodstream and the level of AST in the blood becomes elevated. AST is different from ALT because AST is found in parts of the body other than the liver—including the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain. When cells in any of those parts of the body are damaged, AST can be elevated.
Explanation of test results:
A high AST level often means there is some liver damage, but it is not necessarily caused by hepatitis C. A high AST with a normal ALT may mean that the AST is coming from a different part of the body. It is important to realize that the AST level in most patients with hepatitis C goes up and down. The exact AST level does not tell you how much liver damage there is, or whether the liver is getting better or worse, and small changes should be expected. However, for patients receiving treatment for hepatitis C, it is helpful to see if the AST level goes down.
Other things to know:
- The AST level is not as helpful as the ALT level for checking the liver.
- Many patients with hepatitis C will have a normal AST level.
- Patients can have very severe liver disease or cirrhosis and still have a normal AST level.
< PreviousJust Diagnosed MainNext >
The norm of ALT and AST in the blood test in women: what you need to know
Contents
- 1 The norm of ALT and AST in the blood of women: what indicators are the norm and what do the deviations say?
- 1.1 Blood test norm for women: ALT and AST
- 1.2 What is a blood test?
- 1.3 What do ALT and AST mean?
- 1.4 Why is it important to know the norms of ALT and AST?
- 1.5 How are ALT and AST analyzed?
- 1.6 How do I prepare for an ALT and AST test?
- 1.7 Norm of ALT and AST in women: age characteristics
- 1.8 What diseases can affect the level of ALT and AST in the blood of women?
- 1. 9 What should I do if my ALT and AST levels are elevated?
- 1.10 What factors can increase blood levels of ALT and AST?
- 1.11 Can I decode the results of ALT and AST analysis myself?
- 1.12 Related videos:
- 1.13 Q&A:
- 1.13.0.1 What are ALT and AST in a blood test?
- 1.13.0.2 What causes ALT and AST levels to rise?
- 1.13.0.3 What are the norms for ALT and AST in women?
- 1.13.0.4 Can elevated levels of ALT and AST in women be associated with medication?
- 1.13.0.5 Can elevated levels of ALT and AST in women indicate cancer?
- 1.13.0.6 What should be done if the level of ALT and AST in the blood of a woman is elevated?
Find out what the norm of alt and ast means in a blood test for women. Which values are normal, and which may indicate diseases. The importance of timely and correct decoding of a blood test for maintaining health.
The results of a biochemical blood test are one of the key indicators of the health of the body. It is especially important to correctly interpret the level of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), as they are a reflection of the work of the liver. Blood tests for AST and ALT are often prescribed in combination with other indicators to assess liver function, determine the nature of the disease and monitor the progress of treatment.
For women, normal levels of AST and ALT may differ slightly from those for men, in addition, during pregnancy and some other conditions, there may be significant changes in enzyme levels. Therefore, it is important to know the features of the interpretation of the results and the possible causes of deviations from the norm.
In this article we will tell you what are the norms of the levels of AST and ALT in the blood in women, what means their increase or decrease, as well as what factors can affect the result of the tests. If you find deviations from the norm, do not panic, perhaps this is a temporary phenomenon, but additional consultation with a doctor and diagnosis of the condition of the liver is necessary.
Blood test norm for women: ALT and AST
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are enzymes that are found in the cells of the liver, heart, muscles and other tissues of the body. Their level in the blood can be increased in diseases of these organs, as well as in other pathologies.
The norm of AST in women is from 7 to 31 units per liter of blood. An increase in AST levels can be associated with diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system, as well as muscle injuries.
It is important to remember that ALT and AST limits may differ depending on the laboratory where the blood was tested. Therefore, the doctor should interpret the results, taking into account all the factors affecting the level of these enzymes.
What is a blood test?
A blood test is a laboratory study of a biological fluid that circulates through a person’s blood vessels. This analysis is one of the most common methods for diagnosing many diseases, as well as monitoring the state of the body, both in case of deterioration and improvement of its health.
A blood test goes through many stages, from taking blood to interpreting the results. When conducting an analysis, various factors should be taken into account, such as age, gender, physical condition, the presence of chronic diseases and the use of drugs.
Various blood tests, such as hemoglobin, leukocytes, platelets, ALT, AST and many others, may indicate various diseases or abnormalities in the body.
What do ALT and AST mean?
ALT and AST are enzymes found in liver cells. ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) can be used as indicators of liver damage. These enzymes are released from liver cells into the bloodstream when an organ is damaged or diseased, and their levels can indicate how severe the damage is.
High levels of ALT and AST in the blood of women may indicate the presence of liver disease or other diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver tumors. However, elevated levels of ALT and AST may also be indicative of other non-liver related conditions, such as heart failure.
Why is it important to know the norms of ALT and AST?
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are enzymes found in liver and heart cells. If their level in the blood is elevated, this may indicate damage to the cells of these organs.
Measurement of ALT and AST levels in the blood is an important blood test that provides information about the state of the liver and heart in women. Elevated levels of ALT and AST may indicate various diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, heart failure, and others.
ALT and AST values are indicative and may vary depending on the woman’s age, sex and lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to know the norm of ALT and AST for women in order to make it easier to determine the presence of any diseases.
If ALT and AST are elevated, see a doctor who can diagnose and suggest treatment. Treatment may be aimed at eliminating the causes of increased enzyme levels, as well as restoring liver and heart function.
How is ALT and AST analyzed?
The ALT and AST test is a common blood test. Usually, blood is taken from a vein in the elbow for analysis. Before passing the analysis, you must follow the rules of preparation.
After the blood has been collected, it is sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed for ALT and AST levels. The results of the analysis are usually ready in a few days.
When analyzing ALT and AST, be aware that the results may vary depending on age, sex, physical activity and the use of certain medications. Therefore, before the analysis, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow the recommendations for preparation.
How to prepare for ALT and AST analysis?
ALT and AST analysis requires some preparation in order for the results to be accurate and reliable. Here are some tips to help you properly prepare for this analysis.
- Refusal of food 8-12 hours before the test. It is best to take the test in the morning on an empty stomach so as not to affect the results. This means that 8-12 hours before blood collection, you need to refuse food.
- Medication withdrawal. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any medications. Some medicines may interfere with the results of the test. If your doctor thinks you need to stop taking your medication, it’s best to follow their advice.
- Refusal of alcohol one day before the analysis. Alcohol can interfere with test results, so alcohol should be avoided the day before the test.
- Maintaining rest and avoiding exercise. Physical activity can also affect the results of the test, so the day before it is taken, physical activity should be avoided and rest should be observed.
- Blood collection compliance. To obtain accurate and reliable results, you must follow the rules for collecting blood. The blood collection process itself should not take more than 5-7 minutes and take place in a sterile environment.
By following these guidelines, you can be confident that your ALT and AST results will be reliable and will help your doctor make the right diagnosis and treatment.
The norm of ALT and AST in women: age characteristics
ALT and AST are important indicators of the functional state of the liver, determined in the blood.
It is possible to establish the norm of ALT and AST in the blood of women only taking into account age characteristics.
So, for example, in women under the age of 50, the ALT norm is up to 31 units per liter of blood, and in women over 50 years old – up to 35 units.
The norm of AST for women under the age of 50 is up to 31 units per liter of blood, after 50 years – up to 35 units.
It should also be noted that during pregnancy, women may experience changes in ALT and AST levels, which usually return to normal after childbirth.
In any case, if you find abnormalities in ALT and AST, you should contact a specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.
What diseases can affect the blood levels of ALT and AST in women?
Blood levels of ALT and AST in women can increase as a result of various diseases. For example, hepatitis is one of the main causes of elevated levels of ALT and AST. This is due to the fact that these enzymes are found in high concentration in the liver, and in hepatitis, the liver tissue can be damaged, which leads to the release of large amounts of ALT and AST into the blood.
In addition, diseases that affect the biliary tract, such as gallstones and cholangitis, can also increase ALT and AST levels. The levels of these enzymes may also increase in women with cardiovascular disease such as myocardial infarction or arrhythmia.
- Hepatitis;
- Cirrhosis of the liver;
- Oncological diseases;
- Muscular diseases;
- Gallstone disease;
- Cholangitis;
- Cardiovascular diseases;
What if ALT and AST levels are high?
If ALT and AST levels are elevated in a woman’s blood test, a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis and possible causes. Perhaps an increase in the level of these indicators may indicate diseases of the liver or other organs.
Your doctor may order additional tests, such as an ultrasound of the liver, a CT scan, or a liver biopsy, for diagnosis. In addition, it is necessary to analyze urine and blood for the presence of infections, viruses and other pathological processes.
If the reason for the increase in ALT and AST levels is related to the disease, it is necessary to undergo treatment prescribed by a doctor. This may include medication, diet, and other measures, depending on the specific disease and its stage.
In addition, women who have high ALT and AST levels should lead a healthy lifestyle, give up addictions and watch their diet. It is recommended to increase the amount of vegetables and fruits consumed, reduce the intake of fatty and fried foods, and also pay attention to the quantitative and qualitative composition of food.
- see a doctor for diagnosis;
- complete the required tests;
- get treated by a doctor;
- lead a healthy lifestyle and watch your diet.
What factors can increase blood levels of ALT and AST?
Preparations. In addition to drugs that fight liver disease, many drugs can increase blood levels of ALT and AST, such as antiviral drugs, anabolic steroids, anticancer drugs, and others.
Alcohol. Regular alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage and possible increase in blood levels of ALT and AST.
Wrong diet. Excessive consumption of fatty and fried foods can lead to impaired liver function and increased levels of ALT and AST in the blood.
Inflammatory diseases of the liver. Viral, alcoholic or autoimmune hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, fatty degeneration cause liver inflammation, which increases the level of ALT and AST in the blood.
Examples of drugs that can increase ALT and AST in the blood Drug Group
Aspirin | Analgesic |
Antibiotics | Antibacterial drugs |
Paraketamol | Analgesic |
Ampicillin | Antibacterials |
Can I decode the results of ALT and AST analysis myself?
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are enzymes that are found in liver cells without penetrating into the blood. They are released into the blood only under pathological conditions of the organ. Changes in the levels of these enzymes indicate damage to liver and/or heart cells.
Decoding of ALT and AST results may only be performed by qualified medical personnel after examining the patient and performing other investigations.
Although regular analysis of ALT and AST levels helps to identify possible diseases in the very early stages, you should not try to diagnose yourself. The best solution is to consult with your doctor.
Related videos:
Q&A:
What is ALT and AST in a blood test?
ALT and AST are enzymes found in the cells of the liver, heart, muscles and other organs. If their blood levels are elevated, this may indicate damage to the cells of these organs.
What causes ALT and AST levels to rise?
Elevated levels of ALT and AST in the blood may be associated with diseases of the liver (hepatitis, cirrhosis), cardiovascular system (heart attack, cardiomyopathy), muscles (muscular dystrophy) and other organs. It can also be caused by taking certain medications, alcohol, or toxic substances.
What are the norms for ALT and AST in women?
Guideline values for ALT and AST may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the age of the woman. Typically, the ALT level should not exceed 31 U/L, and the AST level should not exceed 30 U/L.
Can high levels of ALT and AST in women be related to medication?
Yes, some medicines can increase blood levels of ALT and AST, such as antibiotics, antiparkinsonian drugs, some antiviral drugs. Therefore, if you are taking any medications, tell your doctor before taking a blood test.
Can elevated levels of ALT and AST in women indicate cancer?
No, elevated levels of ALT and AST are not specific to cancer and are not the main sign of cancer.
What should be done if the level of ALT and AST in the blood of a woman is elevated?
The first step is to see a doctor who will conduct additional tests and determine the cause of the increased values. Depending on the diagnosis, appropriate treatments and recommendations for lifestyle and diet changes will be prescribed.
When the liver goes wrong: a gastroenterologist named 4 common reasons why ALT and AST in the blood are elevated
- Health
However, the growth of these main “liver” markers in a blood test does not always indicate problems.
April 25, 2022
- Source:
- Getty Images
A biochemical blood test is considered one of the main ways to find out if the liver copes with the load of “wrong” nutrition, alcohol, and medication. This will be told by such indicators in the analysis as ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) – these liver enzymes are among the first to respond to malfunctions of the organ.
– If there is an increase in both ALT and AST, this means that the liver cells are destroyed and the enzymes from them enter the blood. (…) An increase in AST and ALT means that an inflammatory process is taking place in the liver and its cells are being destroyed. If the indicators are above the norm, you need to contact a gastroenterologist, – gastroenterologist Maria Lopatina wrote in her telegram channel, adding that the upper limits of the norm may differ in different laboratories and one must focus on those established where the analysis was taken.
The doctor named the 4 most common causes of increased liver values.
Chronic viral hepatitis
With an increase in ALT and AST in the blood, viral hepatitis B and C are always excluded first. This is very important, as they can be asymptomatic, while destroying the liver. Mandatory tests: HBsAg – hepatitis B and Anti-HCV – hepatitis C.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
When fatty degeneration of liver cells destroys them, ALT and AST increase in the blood and steatohepatitis develops.
Fatty liver disease is suspected if:
Waist circumference ≥94/≥80 cm in men/women;
Blood pressure 130/85 mmHg And more, or the person is taking antihypertensive drugs;
Fasting glucose level of 5.6 mmol/l or more, or the person is taking hypoglycemic drugs;
Serum triglycerides more than 1.7 mmol/l;
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level less than 1.0/1.3 mmol/l in men/women.
Drug-induced liver injury
All drugs that we take by mouth pass through the liver. The more drugs we take, the more likely it is to be damaged. This group includes both herbal preparations and dietary supplements. Liver damage can occur immediately or after several weeks.
Alcohol
According to Russian clinical guidelines, a safe dose for the liver in women is 20 grams of ethanol per day, for men – 40 grams. Regular excess of this dose leads to the development of alcoholic hepatitis and an increase in ALT and AST.
Determining the ethanol content in 100 ml of a drink is very simple: the percentage of alcohol in the drink must be multiplied by 0.8. Thus, 100 ml of 40% vodka contains 40×0.8=32 grams of ethanol, and 100 ml of 12% wine contains 12×0.8=9.6 grams of ethanol.
The doctor explains that there are other reasons for the increase in ALT and AST in the blood, but these four are the most common.
Read also
When an increase in the indicator is not a cause for alarm
It happens that an increase in the level of “liver” indicators may not be associated with a problem in the work of our main “filter”. According to gastroenterologist Maria Lopatina, this may be the case if only the AST index is elevated.
– AST is found not only in the liver, but also in the heart, muscles, kidneys, brain and pancreas. If AST levels are elevated and ALT is normal, causes that are not related to damage to liver cells should be ruled out. For example, active training for all muscle groups, the doctor clarifies.
But if the liver values are below normal in the blood test, in most cases this is not a cause for serious concern. According to the gastroenterologist, a decrease in their level can occur during pregnancy, starvation and a reduced content of vitamin B6.
What other indicators of a blood test can be used to understand that something is wrong with the liver, read HERE.
Signs of liver problems that can be seen in the mirror
According to doctors, the liver does not hurt in the usual sense of the word, especially at first – specific symptoms of the disease appear when things have gone too far. As the head of the MIBS outpatient department, gastroenterologist Iyri Alaya said, liver diseases are often accompanied by various digestive disorders:
Increased gas formation;
Feeling of fullness in the stomach;
Rapid satiety after eating;
Loss of appetite;
Dryness and bitterness in the mouth;
Attacks of nausea and vomiting;
Constipation or diarrhoea.