What are the normal ranges for AST and ALT liver enzymes. How to interpret high or low AST and ALT results. What factors can affect AST and ALT levels. When should you be concerned about abnormal liver function test results.

Understanding AST and ALT: Key Markers of Liver Health

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are crucial enzymes used to assess liver function and detect potential liver damage. These enzymes, often referred to as liver function tests (LFTs), primarily indicate liver injury rather than overall hepatic function. While abnormal AST and ALT levels can signify liver issues, it’s important to note that normal results don’t always guarantee a healthy liver.

What are AST and ALT?

AST and ALT are enzymes found primarily in liver cells (hepatocytes). When liver cells are damaged or die, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels in blood tests. AST is present in both the cytoplasm and mitochondria of cells, while ALT is found only in the cytoplasm.

Normal Ranges for AST and ALT

The normal ranges for AST and ALT can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and testing methods used. However, generally accepted ranges are:

• AST: 5 to 40 units per liter (U/L)
• ALT: 7 to 56 U/L

It’s crucial to remember that these ranges may differ based on factors such as gender, ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). For instance, males, non-whites, and obese individuals typically have slightly higher normal ranges for aminotransferase levels.

Causes of Elevated AST and ALT Levels

Elevated AST and ALT levels can indicate various liver conditions or other health issues. Some common causes include:

1. Viral hepatitis (A, B, C)
2. Alcoholic liver disease
3. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
4. Drug-induced liver injury
5. Autoimmune hepatitis
6. Cirrhosis
7. Liver cancer
8. Hemochromatosis
9. Wilson’s disease
10. Muscle disorders or injuries

It’s important to note that AST levels can also be elevated due to conditions affecting other organs, such as the heart or muscles, while ALT is more specific to liver damage.

Interpreting AST/ALT Ratio

The ratio of AST to ALT can provide additional insights into the underlying cause of liver dysfunction. In most types of liver disease, the ratio of AST to ALT is less than 1. However, in alcoholic liver disease, the AST/ALT ratio is often greater than 2, which can help distinguish it from other forms of liver injury.

Low AST and ALT Levels: Should You Be Concerned?

While elevated AST and ALT levels often indicate liver problems, low levels are generally not a cause for concern. In fact, low levels of these enzymes are rarely clinically significant. However, extremely low levels might be associated with certain conditions:

• Vitamin B6 deficiency
• End-stage liver disease
• Hemodialysis

If your AST and ALT levels are below the normal range, your healthcare provider will likely consider these results in context with other health factors and may recommend additional tests if necessary.

Special Considerations in Interpreting Liver Function Tests

Interpreting liver function tests requires careful consideration of various factors. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

Mild Elevations in ALT

When ALT levels are mildly elevated (less than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal), it’s essential to consider that this could be within the normal range for certain individuals based on their gender, ethnicity, or BMI. Additionally, muscle injury or myopathy could cause such elevations.

Alcoholic Hepatitis vs. Cholecystitis

Severe alcoholic hepatitis can sometimes be confused with cholecystitis or cholangitis due to similar laboratory values and symptoms. In alcoholic hepatitis, minimal elevations of AST and ALT often occur, and the laboratory values can appear cholestatic.

Common Bile Duct Stones

Patients who present shortly after passing common bile duct stones can be misdiagnosed with acute hepatitis. This is because AST and ALT levels often rise immediately, while alkaline phosphatase (AP) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels may not become elevated for several days.

Other Liver Function Tests and Their Interpretation

While AST and ALT are crucial markers of liver health, other tests provide valuable information about liver function and overall hepatic health:

Alkaline Phosphatase (AP)

AP is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, bones, and placenta. Elevated AP levels can indicate liver disease, bone disorders, or pregnancy. An isolated elevation of AP in an asymptomatic patient with normal GGT levels may suggest bone growth or injury, or primary biliary cirrhosis.

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

GGT is an enzyme found in liver cells and biliary epithelial cells. Elevated GGT levels can indicate liver disease, biliary obstruction, or alcohol consumption. An isolated elevation of GGT may be induced by alcohol and aromatic medications, often without actual liver disease.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated bilirubin levels can indicate liver disease, biliary obstruction, or hemolysis. An isolated elevation of unconjugated bilirubin may suggest Gilbert syndrome or hemolysis.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Low albumin levels can indicate chronic liver disease, malnutrition, or other conditions affecting protein synthesis. It’s important to note that low albumin levels are most often caused by acute or chronic inflammation, urinary loss, or severe malnutrition, and are sometimes caused by gastrointestinal loss.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Abnormal AST and ALT Results

While minor fluctuations in AST and ALT levels are common and often not cause for immediate concern, certain scenarios warrant prompt medical attention:

• AST or ALT levels more than 3 times the upper limit of normal
• Persistent elevation of AST or ALT levels over time
• Elevated liver enzymes accompanied by symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or fatigue
• Abnormal AST/ALT ratio (greater than 2:1 or less than 1:1)

If you experience any of these situations, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and potential treatment.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting AST and ALT Levels

Various lifestyle factors can influence AST and ALT levels, potentially leading to temporary elevations or fluctuations:

Alcohol Consumption

Regular and excessive alcohol intake can cause elevated liver enzyme levels, particularly AST. In fact, an AST/ALT ratio greater than 2 is often indicative of alcoholic liver disease.

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, can affect liver enzyme levels. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Intense physical activity or muscle injury can cause temporary elevations in AST and ALT levels. This is because these enzymes are also found in muscle tissue.

Diet and Nutrition

A diet high in processed foods and saturated fats can contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which may cause elevated liver enzymes. Conversely, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help maintain healthy liver function.

Preventive Measures and Liver Health Maintenance

Maintaining healthy AST and ALT levels is crucial for overall liver health. Here are some preventive measures and lifestyle changes that can help:

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake is a leading cause of liver damage. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. The recommended limits are up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a significant risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help protect your liver.

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also improves overall liver function. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Avoid Risky Behaviors

Protect yourself from hepatitis B and C by practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles or personal care items that may come into contact with blood.

Use Medications Wisely

Take medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, only as directed. Be particularly cautious with acetaminophen, as excessive use can lead to liver damage.

Get Vaccinated

Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you haven’t already. These vaccines can provide long-term protection against these viral liver infections.

Advanced Liver Function Assessment

While AST and ALT are valuable indicators of liver health, they don’t provide a complete picture of liver function. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend additional tests for a more comprehensive assessment:

Prothrombin Time (PT)

PT measures the blood’s ability to clot and can indicate liver damage or disease. Prolonged PT may suggest decreased liver function.

Albumin

As mentioned earlier, albumin levels can provide information about the liver’s synthetic function. Low albumin levels may indicate advanced liver disease.

Platelet Count

A low platelet count can be a sign of advanced liver disease or cirrhosis.

Imaging Studies

Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used to visualize the liver and detect structural abnormalities or signs of liver disease.

Liver Biopsy

In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to definitively diagnose liver conditions and assess the extent of liver damage.

These advanced assessments, combined with AST and ALT results, provide a more comprehensive evaluation of liver health and function.

The Future of Liver Function Testing

As medical science advances, new techniques and biomarkers for assessing liver health are being developed. These emerging technologies may offer more accurate and comprehensive liver function assessments in the future:

Non-Invasive Fibrosis Tests

Tests like FibroScan (transient elastography) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) can assess liver stiffness, which correlates with fibrosis and cirrhosis, without the need for invasive procedures.

Metabolomics

This emerging field studies small molecule metabolites in biological samples. Metabolomic profiles may provide more detailed information about liver function and disease progression.

Genetic Testing

Advances in genetic testing may help identify individuals at higher risk for certain liver diseases, allowing for earlier intervention and personalized treatment strategies.

Artificial Intelligence in Liver Disease Diagnosis

Machine learning algorithms are being developed to analyze complex patterns in liver function tests and other clinical data, potentially improving the accuracy and speed of liver disease diagnosis.

While these advancements hold promise, AST and ALT tests remain fundamental tools in assessing liver health. Regular monitoring of these enzymes, along with other liver function tests, continues to play a crucial role in early detection and management of liver diseases.

In conclusion, understanding the normal ranges, causes of abnormal results, and proper interpretation of AST and ALT levels is essential for maintaining liver health and overall well-being. By staying informed, making healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking regular medical check-ups, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their liver and address potential issues early on. As always, any concerns about liver function or abnormal test results should be discussed with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Special Considerations in Interpreting Liver Function Tests

DAVID E. JOHNSTON, M.D.

A number of pitfalls can be encountered in the interpretation of common blood liver function tests. These tests can be normal in patients with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. The normal range for aminotransferase levels is slightly higher in males, nonwhites and obese persons. Severe alcoholic hepatitis is sometimes confused with cholecystitis or cholangitis. Conversely, patients who present soon after passing common bile duct stones can be misdiagnosed with acute hepatitis because aminotransferase levels often rise immediately, but alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyltransferase levels do not become elevated for several days. Asymptomatic patients with isolated, mild elevation of either the unconjugated bilirubin or the γ-glutamyltransferase value usually do not have liver disease and generally do not require extensive evaluation. Overall hepatic function can be assessed by applying the values for albumin, bilirubin and prothrombin time in the modified Child-Turcotte grading system.

The commonly used liver function tests (LFTs) primarily assess liver injury rather than hepatic function. Indeed, these blood tests may reflect problems arising outside the liver, such as hemolysis (elevated bilirubin level) or bone disease (elevated alkaline phosphatase [AP] level).

Abnormal LFTs often, but not always, indicate that something is wrong with the liver, and they can provide clues to the nature of the problem. However, normal LFTs do not always mean that the liver is normal. Patients with cirrhosis and bleeding esophageal varices can have normal LFTs. Of the routine LFTs, only serum albumin, bilirubin and prothrombin time (PT) provide useful information on how well the liver is functioning.

The general subject of LFTs^1,2 and the differential diagnosis of abnormal LFTs in asymptomatic patients^3–5 have been well reviewed. This article discusses some common pitfalls in the interpretation of LFTs. Hints for interpreting these tests are presented in Table 1.

Situation	Comments
Mildly elevated ALT level (less than 1.5 times normal)	ALT value could be normal for gender, ethnicity or body mass index.
	Consider muscle injury or myopathy.
Alcoholic hepatitis	Laboratory values can appear cholestatic, and symptoms can mimic cholecystitis.
	Minimal elevations of AST and ALT often occur.
AST level greater than 500 U per L	The AST elevation is unlikely to result from alcohol intake alone.
	In a heavy drinker, consider acetaminophen toxicity.
Common bile duct stone	Condition can simulate acute hepatitis
	AST and ALT become elevated immediately, but elevation of AP and GGT is delayed.
Isolated elevation of GGT level	This situation may be induced by alcohol and aromatic medications, usually with no actual liver disease.
Isolated elevation of AP level (asymptomatic patient with normal GGT level)	Consider bone growth or injury, or primary biliary cirrhosis.
	AP level rises in late pregnancy.
Isolated elevation of unconjugated bilirubin level	Consider Gilbert syndrome or hemolysis.
Low albumin level	Low albumin is most often caused by acute or chronic inflammation, urinary loss, severe malnutrition or liver disease; it is sometimes caused by gastrointestinal loss (e. g., colitis or some uncommon small bowel disease).
	Normal values are lower in pregnancy.
Blood ammonia level	Blood ammonia values are not necessarily elevated in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
	Determination of blood ammonia levels is most useful in patients with altered mental status of new onset or unknown origin.

Markers of Hepatocellular Injury

The most commonly used markers of hepatocyte injury are aspartate aminotransferase (AST, formerly serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase [SGOT]) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, formerly serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase [SGPT]). While ALT is cytosolic, AST has both cytosolic and mitochondrial forms.

Hepatocyte necrosis in acute hepatitis, toxic injury or ischemic injury results in the leakage of enzymes into the circulation. However, in chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis C and cirrhosis, the serum ALT level correlates only moderately well with liver inflammation. In hepatitis C, liver cell death occurs by apoptosis (programmed cell death) as well as by necrosis. Hepatocytes dying by apoptosis presumably synthesize less AST and ALT as they wither away. This probably explains why at least one third of patients infected with hepatitis C virus have persistently normal serum ALT levels despite the presence of inflammation on liver biopsy.^6,7 Patients with cirrhosis often have normal or only slightly elevated serum AST and ALT levels. Thus, AST and ALT lack some sensitivity in detecting chronic liver injury. Of course, AST and ALT levels tend to be higher in cirrhotic patients with continuing inflammation or necrosis than in those without continuing liver injury.

As markers of hepatocellular injury, AST and ALT also lack some specificity because they are found in skeletal muscle. Levels of these aminotransferases can rise to several times normal after severe muscular exertion or other muscle injury, as in polymyositis,⁸ or in the presence of hypothyroidism, which can cause mild muscle injury and the release of aminotransferases. In fact, AST and ALT were once used in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction.

Slight AST or ALT elevations (within 1.5 times the upper limits of normal) do not necessarily indicate liver disease. Part of this ambiguity has to do with the fact that unlike the values in many other biochemical tests, serum AST and ALT levels do not follow a normal bell-shaped distribution in the population.⁹ Instead, AST and ALT values have a skewed distribution characterized by a long “tail” at the high end of the scale (Figure 1).⁵ For example, the mean values for ALT are very similar from one population to another, but the degree to which the distribution is skewed varies by gender and ethnicity. The ALT distributions in males and nonwhites (i.e., blacks and Hispanics) tend to have a larger tail at the high end, so that more values fall above the upper limits of normal set for the average population.^10,11

AST and ALT values are higher in obese patients, probably because these persons commonly have fatty livers. ¹² ALT levels have been noted to decline with weight loss.¹³ Depending on the physician’s point of view, the upper limits of normal for AST and ALT levels could be set higher for more obese persons.

Rare individuals have chronically elevated AST levels because of a defect in clearance of the enzyme from the circulation.¹⁴ For both AST and ALT, the average values and upper limits of normal in patients undergoing renal dialysis are about one half of those found in the general population.¹⁵ Mild elevations of ALT or AST in asymptomatic patients can be evaluated efficiently by considering alcohol abuse, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and several other possible diagnoses (Table 2).⁵

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Various liver diseases are associated with typical ranges of AST and ALT levels (Figure 2). ALT levels often rise to several thousand units per liter in patients with acute viral hepatitis. The highest ALT levels—often more than 10,000 U per L—are usually found in patients with acute toxic injury subsequent to, for example, acetaminophen overdose or acute ischemic insult to the liver. AST and ALT levels usually fall rapidly after an acute insult.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is less specific than AST and ALT as a marker of hepatocyte injury. However, it is worth noting that LDH is disproportionately elevated after an ischemic liver injury.¹⁶

It is especially important to remember that in patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis, the serum AST level is almost never greater than 500 U per L and the serum ALT value is almost never greater than 300 U per L. The reasons for these limits on AST and ALT elevations are not well understood. In typical viral or toxic liver injury, the serum ALT level rises more than the AST value, reflecting the relative amounts of these enzymes in hepatocytes. However, in alcoholic hepatitis, the ratio of AST to ALT is greater than 1 in 90 percent of patients and is usually greater than 2.¹⁷ The higher the AST-to-ALT ratio, the greater the likelihood that alcohol is contributing to the abnormal LFTs. In the absence of alcohol intake, an increased AST-to-ALT ratio is often found in patients with cirrhosis.

The elevated AST-to-ALT ratio in alcoholic liver disease results in part from the depletion of vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine) in chronic alcoholics.¹⁸ ALT and AST both use pyridoxine as a coenzyme, but the synthesis of ALT is more strongly inhibited by pyridoxine deficiency than is the synthesis of AST. Alcohol also causes mitochondrial injury, which releases the mitochondrial isoenzyme of AST.

Patients with alcoholic hepatitis can present with jaundice, abdominal pain, fever and a minimally elevated AST value, thereby leading to a misdiagnosis of cholecystitis. This is a potentially fatal mistake given the high surgical mortality rate in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. ¹⁹

Markers of Cholestasis

Cholestasis (lack of bile flow) results from the blockage of bile ducts or from a disease that impairs bile formation in the liver itself. AP and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels typically rise to several times the normal level after several days of bile duct obstruction or intrahepatic cholestasis. The highest liver AP elevations—often greater than 1,000 U per L, or more than six times the normal value—are found in diffuse infiltrative diseases of the liver such as infiltrating tumors and fungal infections.

Diagnostic confusion can occur when a patient presents within a few hours after acute bile duct obstruction from a gallstone. In this situation, AST and ALT levels often reach 500 U per L or more in the first hours and then decline, whereas AP and GGT levels can take several days to rise.

Both AP and GGT levels are elevated in about 90 percent of patients with cholestasis.²⁰ The elevation of GGT alone, with no other LFT abnormalities, often results from enzyme induction by alcohol or aromatic medications in the absence of liver disease. The GGT level is often elevated in persons who take three or more alcoholic drinks (45 g of ethanol or more) per day.²¹ Thus, GGT is a useful marker for immoderate alcohol intake. Phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin) and other aromatic drugs typically cause GGT elevations of about twice normal. A mildly elevated GGT level is a typical finding in patients taking anticonvulsants and by itself does not necessarily indicate liver disease.^22,23

Serum AP originates mostly from liver and bone, which produce slightly different forms of the enzyme. The serum AP level rises during the third trimester of pregnancy because of a form of the enzyme produced in the placenta. When serum AP originates from bone, clues to bone disease are often present, such as recent fracture, bone pain or Paget’s disease of the bone (often found in the elderly). Like the GGT value, the AP level can become mildly elevated in patients who are taking phenytoin.^22,23

If the origin of an elevated serum AP level is in doubt, the isoenzymes of AP can be separated by electrophoresis. However, this process is expensive and usually unnecessary because an elevated liver AP value is usually accompanied by an elevated GGT level, an elevated 5′-nucleotidase level and other LFT abnormalities.

In one study,²⁴ isolated AP elevations were evaluated in an unselected group of patients at a Veterans Affairs hospital. Most mild AP elevations (less than 1.5 times normal) resolved within six months, and almost all greater elevations had an evident cause that was found on routine clinical evaluation.

Persistently elevated liver AP values in asymptomatic patients, especially women, can be caused by primary biliary cirrhosis, which is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the small bile ducts. Serum antimitochondrial antibody is positive in almost all of these patients.

Indicators of How Well the Liver Functions

BILIRUBIN

Bilirubin results from the enzymatic breakdown of heme. Unconjugated bilirubin is conjugated with glucuronic acid in hepatocytes to increase its water solubility and is then rapidly transported into bile. The serum conjugated bilirubin level does not become elevated until the liver has lost at least one half of its excretory capacity. Thus, a patient could have obstruction of either the left or right hepatic duct without a rise in the bilirubin level.

Because the secretion of conjugated bilirubin into bile is very rapid in comparison with the conjugation step, healthy persons have almost no detectable conjugated bilirubin in their blood. Liver disease mainly impairs the secretion of conjugated bilirubin into bile. As a result, conjugated bilirubin is rapidly filtered into the urine, where it can be detected by a dipstick test. The finding of bilirubin in urine is a particularly sensitive indicator of the presence of an increased serum conjugated bilirubin level.

In many healthy persons, the serum unconjugated bilirubin is mildly elevated to a concentration of 2 to 3 mg per dL (34 to 51 μmol per L) or slightly higher, especially after a 24-hour fast. If this is the only LFT abnormality and the conjugated bilirubin level and complete blood count are normal, the diagnosis is usually assumed to be Gilbert syndrome, and no further evaluation is required. Gilbert syndrome was recently shown to be related to a variety of partial defects in uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase, the enzyme that conjugates bilirubin.²⁵

Mild hemolysis, such as that caused by hereditary spherocytosis and other disorders, can also result in elevated unconjugated bilirubin values, but hemolysis is not usually present if the hematocrit and blood smear are normal. The presence of hemolysis can be confirmed by testing other markers, such as haptoglobin, or by measuring the reticulocyte count.

Severe defects in bilirubin transport and conjugation can lead to markedly elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels, which can cause serious neurologic damage (kernicterus) in infants. However, no serious form of liver disease in adults causes elevation of unconjugated bilirubin levels in the blood without also causing elevation of conjugated bilirubin values.

When a patient has prolonged, severe biliary obstruction followed by the restoration of bile flow, the serum bilirubin level often declines rapidly for several days and then slowly returns to normal over a period of weeks. The slow phase of bilirubin clearance results from the presence of delta-bilirubin, a form of bilirubin chemically attached to serum albumin.²⁶ Because albumin has a half-life of three weeks, delta-bilirubin clears much more slowly than bilirubin-glucuronide. Clinical laboratories can measure delta-bilirubin concentrations, but such measurements are usually unnecessary if the physician is aware of the delta-bilirubin phenomenon.

ALBUMIN

Although the serum albumin level can serve as an index of liver synthetic capacity, several factors make albumin concentrations difficult to interpret.²⁷ The liver can synthesize albumin at twice the healthy basal rate and thus partially compensate for decreased synthetic capacity or increased albumin losses. Albumin has a plasma half-life of three weeks; therefore, serum albumin concentrations change slowly in response to alterations in synthesis. Furthermore, because two thirds of the amount of body albumin is located in the extravascular, extracellular space, changes in distribution can alter the serum concentration.

In practice, patients with low serum albumin concentrations and no other LFT abnormalities are likely to have a nonhepatic cause for low albumin, such as proteinuria or an acute or chronic inflammatory state. Albumin synthesis is immediately and severely depressed in inflammatory states such as burns, trauma and sepsis, and it is commonly depressed in patients with active rheumatic disorders or severe end-stage malnutrition. In addition, normal albumin values are lower in pregnancy.

PROTHROMBIN TIME

The liver synthesizes blood clotting factors II, V, VII, IX and X. The prothrombin time (PT) does not become abnormal until more than 80 percent of liver synthetic capacity is lost. This makes PT a relatively insensitive marker of liver dysfunction. However, abnormal PT prolongation may be a sign of serious liver dysfunction. Because factor VII has a short half-life of only about six hours, it is sensitive to rapid changes in liver synthetic function. Thus, PT is very useful for following liver function in patients with acute liver failure.

An elevated PT can result from a vitamin K deficiency. This deficiency usually occurs in patients with chronic cholestasis or fat malabsorption from disease of the pancreas or small bowel. A trial of vitamin K injections (e.g., 5 mg per day administered subcutaneously for three days) is the most practical way to exclude vitamin K deficiency in such patients. The PT should improve within a few days.

BLOOD AMMONIA

Measurement of the blood ammonia concentration is not always useful in patients with known or suspected hepatic encephalopathy. Ammonia contributes to hepatic encephalopathy; however, ammonia concentrations are much higher in the brain than in the blood and therefore do not correlate well.²⁸ Furthermore, ammonia is not the only waste product responsible for encephalopathy. Thus, blood ammonia concentrations show only a mediocre correlation with the level of mental status in patients with liver disease. It is not unusual for the blood ammonia concentration to be normal in a patient who is in a coma from hepatic encephalopathy.

Blood ammonia levels are best measured in arterial blood because venous concentrations can be elevated as a result of muscle metabolism of amino acids. Blood ammonia concentrations are most useful in evaluating patients with stupor or coma of unknown origin. It is not necessary to evaluate blood ammonia levels routinely in patients with known chronic liver disease who are responding to therapy as expected.

Grading Liver Function by Child-Turcotte Class

In communicating among themselves, many physicians use the Child-Turcotte class as modified by Pugh, often termed the “Child class,” to convey information about overall liver function and prognosis (Table 3).²⁹ This grading system can be used to predict overall life expectancy and surgical mortality in patients with cirrhosis and other liver diseases.³⁰

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For elective general abdominal surgery, perioperative mortality is in the neighborhood of several percent for patients who fall into the Child class A, 10 to 20 percent for those in class B and approximately 50 percent for those in class C.³¹ These percentages must be balanced by prognostic considerations when transplantation becomes an option. The presence of cirrhosis by itself is not an indication for liver transplantation, and transplantation is rarely performed in patients who fall into Child class A. For example, the 10-year survival rate is as high as 80 percent in patients with hepatitis C and cirrhosis who have Child class A liver function and no variceal bleeding.³² However, once patients with any type of liver disease fall into the Child-Turcotte class B or class C category, survival is significantly reduced and transplantation should be considered.

Mildly Elevated Liver Transaminase Levels in the Asymptomatic Patient

PAUL T. GIBONEY, M.D.

Mild elevations in liver chemistry tests such as alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase can reveal serious underlying conditions or have transient and benign etiologies. Potential causes of liver transaminase elevations include viral hepatitis, alcohol use, medication use, steatosis or steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis. The history should be thorough, with special attention given to the use of medications, vitamins, herbs, drugs, and alcohol; family history; and any history of blood-product transfusions. Other common health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid disease, can cause or augment liver transaminase elevations. The recent American Gastroenterological Association guideline regarding the evaluation and management of abnormal liver chemistry tests proposes a practical, algorithmic approach when the history and physical examination do not reveal the cause. In addition to liver chemistries, an initial serologic evaluation includes a prothrombin time; albumin; complete blood count with platelets; hepatitis A, B, and C serologies; and iron studies. Depending on the etiology, management strategies may include cessation of alcohol use, attention to medications, control of diabetes, and modification of lifestyle factors such as obesity. If elevations persist after an appropriate period of observation, further testing may include ultra-sonography and other serum studies. In some cases, biopsy may be indicated.

Hepatic transaminase tests such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) often are part of standard laboratory panels in asymptomatic outpatients, similar to screening tests for blood donors and for life insurance applicants. The evaluation of an abnormal ALT or AST level in an asymptomatic patient therefore is a common challenge encountered by primary care physicians.

According to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), 1 to 4 percent of the asymptomatic population may have elevated serum liver chemistries.¹ This is consistent with the usual definition of an elevated transaminase level of the top 2.5 percent of the population range. Although one study² of 19,877 asymptomatic young Air Force trainees found that only 0.5 percent had elevated ALT levels, physicians who have more patients with obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia will have to address this issue more often.

Given the frequency of this problem, physicians should develop an informed approach to the investigation of transaminase elevations. An audit of primary care practices found that these abnormalities are not always investigated appropriately and that opportunities to intervene in treatable cases sometimes are missed.³ No controlled clinical trials have compared approaches to the management of abnormal transaminase levels. However, the AGA recently published a technical review¹ and a position statement⁴ on the evaluation of liver chemistry tests. This article reviews the interpretation of ALT and AST levels and summarizes the AGA recommendations on addressing reported elevations.

Key clinical recommendation	Label	References
An algorithmic approach to evaluating mildly abnormal liver functions is recommended.	C	1
In the asymptomatic patient with negative serum testing and mild transaminase elevations, a period of lifestyle modification can be tried.	C	1
If abnormalities persist at the six-month follow-up visit, an ultrasonography of the liver is the recommended imaging modality.	C	1
ALT and AST are not useful screening tests in an otherwise healthy population.	C	1,10
The AST/ALT ratio is only somewhat helpful in diagnosis.	C	5,7

Markers of Hepatic Injury and Necrosis

ALT and AST are two of the most reliable markers of hepatocellular injury or necrosis. Their levels can be elevated in a variety of hepatic disorders. Of the two, ALT is thought to be more specific for hepatic injury because it is present mainly in the cytosol of the liver and in low concentrations elsewhere. AST has cytosolic and mitochondrial forms and is present in tissues of the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, brain, pancreas, and lungs, and in white and red blood cells. AST is less commonly referred to as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and ALT as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase.

Although levels of ALT and AST can be extremely elevated (exceeding 2,000 U per L in cases of hepatocyte injury and necrosis related to drugs, toxins, ischemia, and hepatitis), elevations less than five times the upper limit of normal (i. e., about 250 U per L and below) are much more common in primary care medicine. The range of possible etiologies at this level of transaminase elevation is broader (Table 1^5,6) and the tests less specific. It also is important to recall that patients with normal ALT and AST levels can have significant liver disease in the setting of chronic hepatocyte injury (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis C).

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The ratio of AST to ALT has some clinical utility, but has important limitations. In many forms of acute and chronic liver injury or steatosis (fatty infiltration of the liver), the ratio is less than or equal to 1. This is particularly true in patients with hepatitis C. However, an AST/ALT ratio greater than 2 characteristically is present in alcoholic hepatitis. A recent study⁷ of 140 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; confirmed by liver biopsy) or alcoholic liver disease found a mean AST/ALT ratio of 0. 9 in patients with NASH and 2.6 in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Within the population studied, 87 percent of patients with an AST/ALT ratio of 1.3 or less had NASH (87 percent sensitivity, 84 percent specificity). The severity of NASH as measured by the degree of fibrosis increased, as did the AST/ALT ratio. A mean ratio of 1.4 was found in patients with cirrhosis related to NASH. Wilson’s disease, a rare problem, can cause the AST/ALT ratio to exceed 4.⁵ While these ratios are suggestive of certain conditions, there is too much overlap between groups to rely on them exclusively when making a diagnosis.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a less specific marker of hepatocellular necrosis and usually does not add diagnostic information to that obtained with ALT and AST testing. An exception to this is the transient but massive rise of LDH in cases of ischemic hepatitis and its sustained elevation that, along with elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, suggests malignant infiltration of the liver. ⁵

Elevations of ALT and AST are not exclusive to liver pathology. Hyperthyroidism has been found in several studies to increase serum levels of liver enzymes including ALT and AST.⁸ Genetic influences on the level of ALT also are possible. A study⁹ of Danish twins showed that genetic factors accounted for 33 to 66 percent of the variation in ALT, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, LDH, and bilirubin in patients 73 to 94 years of age. The AGA technical review states that serum ALT has diurnal variation, may vary day to day, and may be affected by exercise. It also notes that serum AST may be 15 percent higher in black men than white men.¹

Another cause of elevated liver transaminase levels is muscle injury. Strenuous exercise or myopathy can cause elevations (especially of AST) without causing any other symptoms. A creatine kinase or other muscle marker can be obtained to confirm or exclude such a process.

Annual screening of healthy, asymptomatic patients for liver disease using ALT and AST levels is not useful. A Japanese study¹⁰ assessed the accuracy of ALT and AST for detecting hepatitis C, excess alcohol use, and fatty liver disease in male bank employees and found the positive predictive value of the test to be low. Only 3.9 percent of the men with an abnormal ALT level had hepatitis C; 8 percent were excessive users of alcohol; and 35.7 percent had fatty liver.

Management

A thorough medical history and physical examination are the cornerstone of the evaluation of patients with mildly elevated liver transaminase levels.¹ The history should attempt to identify risk factors for disease, with special attention directed toward family history, medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, drug use, alcohol use, abnormal liver testing, blood-product transfusions, and symptoms of liver disease. Table 2⁶ lists selected medications and herbal supplements that may cause elevated transaminase levels. Physicians should ask patients directly about their use of illicit drugs, herbal supplements, and other alternative “supplements” because these sometimes are omitted from the patient’s initial response to questions.

The presence of other significant health conditions that can cause or augment liver transaminase elevations also should be noted; examples are diabetes, heart disease (including congestive heart failure), thyroid disease, muscle disease, and cancer. Physical findings and sequelae of liver dysfunction are given in Table 3.

Once the history and physical examination are completed, additional testing can help discern the etiology of the transaminase elevation (Figure 1). ⁴

INITIAL LABORATORY EVALUATION

Additional laboratory tests should be obtained when the history and physical examination show no obvious etiology for ALT and AST elevations. Ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, and serum iron can be used to look for hemochromatosis, while hepatitis A, B, and C serologies are used to rule out acute or chronic hepatitis.

Despite the emergence of widespread vaccination, hepatitis B remains a common cause of chronic liver disease in adults. Testing for hepatitis C is essential because its incidence has increased in the past decade, and new treatment strategies have been developed that can address this frequently missed problem.¹¹

A prothrombin time (PT) and serum albumin should be ordered to identify patients with abnormalities of protein synthesis and liver function. Evaluation should be accelerated for patients with impaired hepatic synthetic function. A complete blood count with platelets also should be ordered. In addition to ruling out infection, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia can, along with an elevated PT, suggest advanced liver disease. An elevated mean red cell volume suggests heavy alcohol intake. Alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin are markers for hepatic cholestasis and should be ordered as part of the initial laboratory evaluation. While sometimes useful, they often are normal in the presence of hepatic injury.

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION

If the patient is asymptomatic and the initial serum testing is negative, a period of lifestyle modification can be attempted. Effective lifestyle modification includes complete abstinence from alcohol, control of diabetes and hyperlipidemia, weight loss in overweight patients, and stopping or changing potentially hepatotoxic medications and supplements. Such lifestyle changes directly impact several of the causes of mild transaminase elevation (Table 1).^5,6 These seemingly small modifications may be all that is needed to correct the abnormalities.

FOLLOW-UP AND IMAGING STUDIES

A repeat set of liver chemistries should be obtained after six months. If the patient’s presentation changes or the physician has concern for an evolving process, shorter intervals can be used. If abnormalities persist at the six-month follow-up visit, ultra-sonography of the liver is recommended. Computed tomography of the abdomen also is used in this setting, although clinical trials have not demonstrated an advantage of this more expensive modality.

Steatohepatitis (or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) often is discovered by imaging. This condition may be the most frequent cause of mild liver chemistry elevations and is especially common in patients who are obese, and those who have diabetes or hyperlipidemia. One study¹² of patients referred to a hospital-based gastroenterology practice found that in 83 percent of patients with elevated transaminase levels whose serum evaluation was otherwise negative, liver biopsy revealed steatosis or steatohepatitis. In 10 percent of the patients, however, liver biopsy was normal—a reminder that, at times, mildly elevated transaminase levels do not represent any underlying pathology. Excellent reviews of the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have been published.^13,14

If the diagnosis is not apparent from the ultrasound examination, further testing is suggested for alpha₁-antitrypsin deficiency (alpha₁-antitrypsin levels), Wilson’s disease (serum ceruloplasmin), celiac disease (antigliadin and anti-endomysial antibody), and autoimmune hepatitis (antinuclear antibody, anti–smooth-muscle antibody), as well as for nonhepatic causes of transaminase elevation. According to the AGA, the decision to perform a liver biopsy needs to be made on an individual basis, taking into consideration the patient’s age, lifestyle, liver chemistry abnormalities, desire for prognostic information, and associated comorbid conditions.¹ Only with chronic mild transaminase elevations would an asymptomatic patient be considered a possible candidate for biopsy.

what are the norms and what does the deviation mean?

Contents

• 1 Normal ALT and AST values ​​in women: how to evaluate your liver
  • 1.1 ALT and AST – what are they?
  • 1.2 Blood test for ALT and AST
  • 1.3 Norm of ALT and AST in women
  • 1.4 Deviation of ALT and AST from the norm
  • 1.5 Causes of increased levels of ALT and AST in women
  • 1.6 Pain treatments that cause elevated levels of ALT and AST in women
    • 1.6.1 Hepatitis
    • 1.6.2 Cirrhosis of the liver
    • 1.6.3 Obesity
    • 1.6.4 Other diseases
  • 1.7 Symptoms of elevated ALT and AST in women
  • 1.8 Diagnosis of elevated ALT and AST
  • 1.9 What to do if ALT is elevated and AST
  • 1.10 Treatment of Elevated ALT and AST
  • 1.11 Nutrition for Elevated ALT and AST
    • 1.11.1 Introduction
    • 1. 11.2 What to Eat
    • 1.11.3 What to Do avoid
    • 1.11.4 Cooking tips
    • 1.11.5 Conclusion
  • 1.12 Prevention of elevated ALT and AST
  • 1.13 Consequences of elevated ALT and AST
  • 1.14 Comparison with elevated blood levels of other indicators
  • 1.15 Analysis ALT and AST for hepatitis
    • 1.15.1 Alanine aminotransferase and Aspartate aminotransferase
    • 1.15.2 How to prepare for an ALT and AST test
    • 1.15.3 What the test results mean
  • 1.16 Effects of ALT and AST on pregnancy
  • 1.17 When to see a doctor if ALT and AST levels are elevated
  • 1.18 Related videos:
  • 1.19 Q&A:
    9000 5
    • 1.19.0.1 What is Alt and Ast and why are these indicators needed in analyzes in women?
    • 1.19.0.2 What are the normal levels of Alt and Ast in women?
    • 1.19.0.3 What can cause an increase in Alt in women?
    • 1.19.0.4 What causes an increase in the Ast level in women?
    • 1. 19.0.5 What does low Alt mean in women?
    • 1.19.0.6 What can it mean if the level of Alt and Ast is simultaneously elevated in women?
    • 1.19.0.7 Can a low Ast level in women indicate the absence of liver problems?
    • 1.19.0.8 How long do elevated levels of Alt and Ast persist in women after drinking alcohol?

Find out which ALT and AST values ​​are normal for women. Useful information about the functions of these indicators and the causes of deviations from the norm.

Alt and Ast are enzymes that are responsible for the functioning of the liver. If their blood levels are elevated, this may indicate a liver problem. A blood test for alt and ast is usually ordered in case of suspected liver disease, but what does a deviation in the level of these enzymes mean in women?

ALT and AST blood levels in women depend on many factors, including age, sex, disease, and medication. But in general, the alt level in women should not exceed 31 units/l, and the ast level should not exceed 34 units/l.

If you have been tested for alt and ast and your blood levels of these enzymes are elevated, be sure to discuss the results with your doctor. He will be able to assess your ALT and AST levels in the context of your health and determine if additional testing or treatment is needed.

ALT and AST – what is it?

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are enzymes found inside liver cells. If liver cells are damaged or destroyed, these enzymes enter the bloodstream. Therefore, an increase in the level of ALT and AST in the blood may indicate the presence of problems with the liver or other organs.

ALT and AST are often used together in the diagnosis of liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. These enzymes can also be elevated in myocardial infarction, rheumatic diseases, and other problems.

ALT and AST blood test

ALT (alianine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) blood test is one of the most common methods for diagnosing diseases of the liver and heart. Both are enzymes that are normally found inside the cells of the liver and heart, but if these organs become damaged or inflamed, ALT and AST are released from the cells into the blood, causing their blood levels to rise.

ALT is routinely screened to diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. ALT levels can also be elevated with certain medications, jaundice, gallbladder disease, and inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract.

Elevated levels of ALT and AST in the blood may indicate a specific disease, but these indicators cannot indicate a specific condition. To detect the disease, additional research and examinations are necessary.

In general, elevated levels of ALT and AST usually indicate damage to some organs in the body. If you are found to have elevated levels of ALT or AST, you should undergo further tests to find out which organs are damaged and begin treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.

ALT and AST norm in women

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are indicators of liver function. Normal blood levels of these enzymes may vary depending on the methodology of the laboratory, as well as the age, sex, and weight of the patient. However, on average, in women, ALT and AST have the following norms:

• ALT: up to 34 units/l;
• AST: up to 31 units/l.

If a woman’s ALT and AST levels are higher than normal, this may indicate liver problems such as inflammation, fatty degeneration, or cirrhosis. However, another underlying cause may also be present, such as alcohol or drug poisoning, drug injection, or heart or muscle disease.

If you have been prescribed ALT and AST tests and find that these levels are abnormal, you should consult your doctor to determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

ALT and AST abnormal

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are enzymes that help the body make proteins. Normal levels of ALT and AST in women can vary, but are usually in the range of 7-56 units/L for ALT and 10-40 units/L for AST.

Abnormal levels of ALT and AST may indicate the presence of liver disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. If the level remains elevated for a long time, it can lead to serious complications, including liver failure or liver cancer.

ALT and AST levels may also be elevated in other conditions such as myocardial infarction, pneumonia, or myopathies. This can help diagnose these conditions and track their treatment.

If the levels of ALT and AST strongly deviate from the norm, it is recommended to consult a doctor for additional examination and determination of the cause of such deviation. Early detection and treatment of diseases that can lead to elevated levels of ALT and AST can help maintain health and prevent serious complications.

Causes of increased levels of ALT and AST in women

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) are enzymes that are involved in the process of amino acid metabolism. They are found in the cells of the liver, heart muscle, kidneys and other tissues of the body. If the level of ALT and AST is elevated in a woman, this may indicate the presence of the following reasons:

1. Liver diseases: elevated levels of ALT and AST may indicate the presence of hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, fatty degeneration and other pathological changes. At the same time, ALT levels may rise earlier than AST.
2. Taking medications: Many medications can increase blood levels of ALT and AST. This is especially true of hepatotoxic drugs that have a negative effect on the liver.
3. Alcoholic liver disease: The presence of an alcoholic mixture may lead to elevated levels of ALT and AST.
4. Myocarditis, hypoxia of the heart muscle: when the heart muscle is affected, AST levels can rise much faster than ALT.
5. Non-specific elevation: ALT and AST levels may be elevated with various infectious diseases, trauma and surgery.

In any case, if the level of ALT and AST in a woman is elevated, this requires a mandatory examination and identification of the cause in order to prescribe an effective treatment.

Diseases that cause elevated levels of ALT and AST in women

Hepatitis

Elevated levels of ALT and AST may be associated with hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by viruses, alcohol, drugs, and other factors. In hepatitis, ALT and AST are higher than normal due to damage to liver cells and the release of enzymes into the blood.

Cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by the gradual accumulation of damage to the liver cells, which can cause an increase in the level of ALT and AST. With cirrhosis of the liver, the function of the organ is impaired, which can lead to serious consequences.

Obesity

Obesity can be one of the causes of elevated levels of ALT and AST. Fat accumulates in the liver, which can cause it to malfunction and release enzymes into the blood.

Other diseases

Elevated levels of ALT and AST may also be associated with rarer diseases such as myopathy, muscle wasting, thrombosis, myocardial infarction and others. You need to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of elevated ALT and AST levels in women

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are enzymes that are found inside the cells of the liver and other organs. Elevated levels of ALT and AST in the blood can indicate problems with the liver, heart, muscles, and other organs.

In women, elevated levels of ALT and AST may present with the following symptoms:0008

If If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. He may order blood tests for ALT and AST levels, as well as other types of tests to identify possible problems with the body.

Do not ignore the symptoms of elevated levels of ALT and AST, as these enzymes can indicate serious diseases that require competent medical attention.

Diagnosis of elevated levels of ALT and AST

A special blood test is performed to determine the level of hormones ALT and AST. This test can help diagnose various diseases of the liver, heart, and muscles.

ALT and AST levels may be elevated in the presence of viral hepatitis, alcoholic or toxic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, infectious mononucleosis, heart and muscle disease. In some cases, an increase in hormone levels may be due to medications taken or tissue damage resulting from an injury.

If the ALT and AST levels are above normal, further investigations are needed to determine the cause of the deviation. Do not panic in advance, because elevated hormone levels do not always indicate a serious illness.

It is important to understand that self-monitoring of ALT and AST levels at home is not sufficient to establish a diagnosis. To do this, you should consult a doctor and perform the recommended tests.

What to do with elevated levels of ALT and AST

If you have been diagnosed with elevated levels of ALT and AST in the blood, do not panic, but do not ignore this fact either. First you need to determine the reason for such a deviation. Usually, elevated levels of ALT and AST indicate complications in the liver.

If elevated levels of ALT and AST are caused by a disease or infection, then the doctor may prescribe appropriate treatment, which is aimed at eliminating the reasons for the increase in these levels.

However, sometimes elevated levels of ALT and AST may indicate the presence of chronic diseases of the liver or other organs. In this case, it is necessary to undergo an examination to determine the causes of this condition and prescribe a suitable treatment.

To lower your ALT and AST levels, you need to follow a proper diet, stop bad habits, take the right medications, and have regular medical checkups.

In any case, ALT and AST levels should be monitored regularly. If you find deviations from the norm, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner and undergo an additional examination to find out the causes and prevent possible complications.

Treatment of elevated ALT and AST

As markers of liver damage, ALT and AST are important indicators of liver disease. If ALT and AST levels are high, treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition.

If elevated levels of ALT and AST are due to alcoholic or viral hepatitis, then the main treatment is the treatment of the underlying disease. In cases of liver failure, increased protein intake and dietary elasticity may be prescribed.

If elevated levels of ALT and AST are associated with medication or supplements, then these drugs should be discontinued. You may have to replace them with safer alternatives.

For people with elevated ALT and AST levels, it is imperative to control alcohol consumption and the abuse of fatty, rich foods.

Based on the above, you need to understand that elevated levels of ALT and AST require careful consideration and analysis of the causes. Only then can you find the appropriate treatment and make the necessary adjustments in your lifestyle and diet.

Nutrition with elevated ALT and AST levels

Introduction

Women with elevated ALT and AST levels should pay attention to their diet. Diet can have a big impact on the levels of these enzymes in the blood, so it is recommended to follow certain rules when compiling your daily menu.

What to eat

When ALT and AST levels are elevated, a healthy diet is given special attention. Women should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as protein foods such as fish, chicken, eggs, and cottage cheese. It is also recommended to drink plenty of fluids, including clean water.

What to avoid

Women should limit their intake of fatty and fried foods, as well as sweets and alcohol, to avoid elevated ALT and AST levels. In addition, it is recommended to avoid too much coffee and strong tea.

Cooking Tips

One way to preserve the health benefits of food is to prepare it properly. Women should prefer steamed or grilled dishes. Also, if possible, it is necessary to exclude frying in oil and give preference to cold appetizers and salads.

Conclusion

By following simple healthy dietary guidelines, women can lower their blood levels of ALT and AST. Regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein foods, limiting fatty, fried and sugary foods, and proper cooking will help maintain a healthy liver and improve overall body health.

Preventing elevated ALT and AST levels

Maintaining a healthy liver and preventing elevated ALT and AST levels in women requires a healthy lifestyle:

• Avoid alcohol and nicotine;
• Watch your diet and avoid fatty, fried and salty foods;
• Maintain a healthy weight and avoid excess weight;
• Exercise regularly;
• Avoid stress and nervous overload;
• Monitor the level of hormones in the body, especially when taking hormonal drugs.

It is also recommended to undergo regular medical examinations and seek medical attention at the first symptoms of liver disease: pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, loss of appetite and drowsiness.

If the level of ALT and AST in the blood of a woman is elevated, then it is necessary to consult a doctor for additional examination and determination of the cause of the deviation.

Sample diet to prevent elevated ALT and ASTV Time Meal

ALT and AST levels

Elevated levels of ALT and AST usually indicate liver dysfunction. Such violations can be caused by various reasons: from alcohol or drug intoxication to viral infections or cancer.

One of the first signs of elevated levels of ALT and AST are yellowing eyes and skin, which indicate a violation of the outflow of bile. Other signs may include pain in the right side, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and general weakness.

These signs should not be ignored, as elevated levels of ALT and AST can lead to serious consequences. For example, it can cause cirrhosis of the liver, which in turn can lead to liver cancer and other dangerous diseases. Therefore, if suspicious symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor and undergo an appropriate examination.

• Suspected or developing acute hepatitis
• Confirmed chronic hepatitis
• Suspected gallbladder disease
• May be caused by certain drugs or high alcohol intake

If found elevated high levels of ALT and AST, measures must be taken to eliminate the cause of its occurrence. For this, special medications, diet, avoidance of alcohol and other suitable measures can be prescribed.

Comparison with elevated levels of other blood parameters

The presence of elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (Alt) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) can be caused not only by diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system and muscle tissue, but also by the presence of other indicators in the blood, such as iron, glucose, cholesterol and others.

When comparing the levels of Alt and Ast with other indicators, it is necessary to take into account the possible mechanisms for increasing the levels of these enzymes. For example, an increase in the level of Alt and Ast may be associated with a violation of iron metabolism in the body, which leads to its accumulation in the liver and intensive destruction of liver cells.

However, in the presence of elevated levels of Alt and Ast in combination with other indicators, it is necessary to conduct an additional examination to determine the cause of the increase and further treatment.

• Elevated blood glucose may indicate diabetes.
• Elevated cholesterol levels may be associated with impaired lipid metabolism in the body.
• Elevated iron levels may indicate the presence of hemochromatosis.

ALT and AST hepatitis test

Alanine aminotransferase and Aspartate aminotransferase

ALT and AST are enzymes that are found inside liver cells. They are involved in the metabolism of amino acids and help the body get energy from food. High levels of ALT and AST can indicate liver problems, which is why they are usually included in a standard CBC.
One of the most common blood tests for ALT and AST levels is a hepatitis test. Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver that can be caused by infection, alcohol, or toxins. ALT and AST may be elevated in viral hepatitis, and their rise may reflect the degree of liver damage.

How to prepare for an ALT and AST test

To prepare for an ALT and AST test, you must give blood samples. No other special preparatory measures are required. However, alcohol consumption should be limited prior to testing, as it can increase blood levels of ALT and AST.

What the test results mean

The normal range for ALT and AST blood levels may vary depending on the laboratory that performs the test. Generally, ALT and AST levels should not exceed 30 to 40 units per liter (U/L) in women. If the level of ALT and AST is elevated, then this may indicate a toxic or infectious liver lesion.
If the results of the analysis show high levels of ALT and AST, then it is necessary to consult with your doctor to identify the possible cause of the elevated ALT and AST levels and begin treatment.

The effect of ALT and AST on pregnancy

ALT and AST are indicators that can be measured in the blood of a pregnant woman at different stages of pregnancy. They play an important role in assessing the health of the liver, but can also indicate problems with the heart and muscles.

Studies show that elevated levels of ALT and AST in the blood of a pregnant woman can indicate the presence of infection, hepatitis, many other diseases, and also negatively affect the development of the child.

Although elevated levels of ALT and AST alone are not dangerous for pregnancy, if the levels of both are elevated, action must be taken. In this case, the woman should consult a doctor and undergo additional examinations.

In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper diet can help reduce the risk of elevated ALT and AST levels. Pregnant women need to pay special attention to their health and monitor the level of these indicators in the blood in order to ensure the health of their child and themselves in general.

When to see a doctor if ALT and AST levels are elevated

If a woman’s blood levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are elevated, it can be a symptom of various diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system and other organs.

If a woman notices symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness, she should seek immediate medical attention.

It is also recommended that women undergo regular medical examinations in order to identify possible problems of the disease at an early stage.

To diagnose the level of ALT and AST, it is necessary to donate blood for biochemical analysis, which can determine the presence of pathological changes.

If ALT and AST levels are elevated, the doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause of the abnormality and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Video on the topic:

Question-answer:

What are Alt and Ast and why are these indicators needed in the analyzes of women?

Alt (alanine aminotransferase) and Ast (aspartate aminotransferase) are enzymes that are found in liver cells and are involved in amino acid metabolism. Their blood levels help diagnose liver disease and assess liver function. When deviating from the norm, Alt and Ast can indicate various pathologies that need to be identified and treated.

What are the normal levels of Alt and Ast in women?

Alt norm in women is 10-40 U/l, and Ast norm is 10-30 U/l. However, these values ​​may differ depending on the laboratory that performs the analysis. Therefore, when studying the results, it is necessary to be guided by the standards specified in the laboratory where the analyzes were carried out.

What can cause an increase in Alt in women?

An increase in the level of Alt in the blood of women can be caused by diseases such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, fatty liver, as well as the use of alcohol or toxic drugs. Also, an increase in Alt levels may be associated with muscle damage, along with damage to liver cells.

What causes an increase in the Asth level in women?

An increase in the level of Ast in the blood in women can be caused by liver pathologies (cirrhosis, hepatitis), myocardial infarction, encephalopathy, jaundice. Also, an increase in the level of Ast can be observed in oncological diseases, alcoholism and the use of toxic drugs.

What does low Alt mean in women?

Decrease in the level of Alt in the blood is not a pathology and in itself does not cause any symptoms. However, if the Alt level is reduced, but the Ast level remains normal, then this may indicate a violation of liver function and require further examination and diagnosis.

What can it mean if the level of Alt and Ast is simultaneously elevated in women?

Simultaneous elevation of Alt and Ast may indicate various liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis or cancer. Also, an increase in the level of Alt and Ast may be associated with dysfunction of other organs, such as skin, muscles and pancreas. The final diagnosis can only be made after a comprehensive examination and exclusion of other pathologies.

Can a low Ast level in women indicate the absence of problems with the liver?

No, a low blood Asth level is not a sufficient criterion for assessing the health of the liver. For a complete diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination and analysis of other biochemical blood parameters that will help identify possible pathologies.

How long do elevated Alt and Ast levels persist in women after drinking alcohol?

Increased levels of Alt and Ast in the blood of women may persist up to 4-5 days after drinking alcohol. The more often and more alcohol is consumed, the longer elevated levels of these indicators persist. Stopping alcohol consumption helps bring Alt and Ast levels back to normal levels. However, if elevated levels of Alt and Ast do not decrease for a long time, additional diagnostics and examination are necessary.

what is it and how does it affect health?

Contents

• 1 Alt in the biochemical analysis of blood: value, norm and possible deviations
  • 1.1 Alt in the biochemical analysis of blood: definition and norms
    • 1.1.1 What is ALT?
    • 1.1.2 Norms of ALT in the blood
  • 1. 2 What does an elevated level of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) mean in a biochemical blood test?
  • 1.3 Causes of an increase in Alt in a biochemical blood test
  • 1.4 How to determine the increase in the level of Alt in the biochemical analysis of blood?
  • 1.5 Symptoms of elevated Alt levels in a biochemical blood test
  • 1.6 How is Alt level related to diseases of the liver and biliary tract?
  • 1.7 The role of Alt in the diagnosis of diseases of the heart and muscles
  • 1.8 How to reduce the level of Alt in the biochemical analysis of blood?
  • 1.9 How to act if the level of Alt in the blood is high
  • 1.10 Alt and the use of certain drugs
    • 1.10.1 Alt and antibiotics
    • 1.10.2 Alt and antivirals
    • 1.10.3 Alt and antifungals
    • 1.10.4 Alt and analgesics
    • 1.10.5 Al t and cholesterol-lowering drugs
  • 1.11 Video on the topic:
  • 1.12 Question-answer:
    • • 1. 12.0.1 What is ALT in a biochemical blood test?
      • 1.12.0.2 What are normal ALT values?
      • 1.12.0.3 What diseases can increase the level of ALT in the blood?
      • 1.12.0.4 What does elevated blood ALT mean?
      • 1.12.0.5 What should I do if I have high blood ALT values?
      • 1.12.0.6 Can ALT levels be low?

Alt is an enzyme found in human liver and heart cells. Its level in the blood is measured in a biochemical analysis, and an increase in this indicator may indicate problems with the liver or heart. In our article, you will find detailed information about what ALT is and how its level is related to human health.

Medical blood tests are one of the most effective ways to diagnose various diseases and disorders occurring in the body. One of the main indicators that allow you to determine the state of human health is ALT.

ALT is an alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme that is involved in the process of amino acid metabolism in the body. It is found in the tissues of the liver, heart, muscles and other tissues. When these tissues are destroyed, ALT enters the bloodstream, which makes it possible to determine the level of this enzyme by a biochemical blood test.

ALT levels affect the general condition of the body, so its level can be an indicator of various diseases, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, heart attack, myopathy and other diseases. ALT can also increase with certain medications or as a result of increased exercise.

ALT in a biochemical blood test: definition and norms

What is ALT?

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found in liver cells and other organs, including the heart and muscles. When these organs are affected, ALT is released into the blood, which can be detected using a biochemical blood test. A high level of ALT in the blood can indicate the presence of diseases of the liver, heart and other organs.

ALT blood levels

Normal blood ALT values ​​differ by sex and age. ALT levels can also vary depending on the laboratory that performs the analysis. In general, the average normal range for adult men is 10 to 40 units per liter of blood, and for women, 7 to 35 units per liter of blood. ALT levels can be elevated in some diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, myocardial infarction, and other diseases.

Normal blood ALT levels by age Age group ALT norm, units/l

If ALT levels are higher than normal, this may indicate the presence of diseases of the liver, heart or other organs. However, a high ALT level does not always indicate a serious problem. For example, drinking alcohol, certain medications, and even exercise can temporarily increase blood levels of ALT.

What does an elevated level of Alt (alanine aminotransferase) mean in a biochemical blood test?

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found in body tissues, especially the liver and heart. An elevated ALT level in a biochemical blood test indicates damage or disease to these organs.

Manifestations of only a slight increase in ALT do not have specific symptoms, there may be a feeling of heaviness and pain in the right upper abdomen or slight discomfort. However, if you doubt your state of health, in any case, consult a doctor, he will tell you about further actions.

Normative values ​​of the level of Alt in the biochemical analysis of blood: Half Norm

Causes of increased Alt in biochemical analysis

Altastosis is a condition that is associated with elevated levels of ALT in a person’s blood. It is an indicator of the presence of pathological processes in the liver and other tissues of the body.

Increased levels of Alt in the blood can be observed in diseases such as:

• Hepatitis. This disease is the most common cause of high blood ALT. Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types of hepatitis that cause elevated ALT levels.
• Cirrhosis of the liver. This disease is characterized by the replacement of hepatic tissue with connective tissue, which causes a decrease in liver function.
• Alcoholic liver disease. Long-term alcohol use can cause liver damage and increase Alt.
• Some drugs. Some medications can cause high levels of Alt in the blood.

If the level of Alt is elevated, this may indicate the presence of pathological processes in the body. It is necessary to consult a doctor to identify the causes and take measures to treat the disease.

How to determine the increase in the level of Alt in a biochemical blood test?

Alt is an enzyme found in liver cells and some other body tissues. When the cells are damaged, Alt is released from them into the blood, causing its increased concentration. Measurement of Alt levels is an important biochemical analysis that helps identify diseases of the liver and other organs.

Elevated levels of Alt in the blood can only be detected during a biochemical blood test. This process does not take much time and must take place in the laboratory. Most often, this analysis is prescribed by doctors for suspected liver disease. Your doctor may order the test again to check the results and to track the progress of your treatment.

1. It is important to be prepared for a blood test before taking it. Your doctor can give you specific instructions about what you can and can’t do before the test.
2. The blood test is usually done on an empty stomach. Before the analysis, it is necessary to refrain from eating and drinking for about 8-12 hours.
3. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, tell the doctor who orders the blood test. Certain medications and medical conditions can affect the results of an ALT blood test.

A gastroenterologist will determine the indications for examinations, prescribe the necessary tests and interpret the results. You can trust him: he carries out diagnostics and treatment at the highest level.

Blood chemistry symptoms of elevated Alt

Alt is an enzyme found in liver cells and in small amounts in the heart, kidneys and pancreas. An elevated ALT level in a biochemical blood test may indicate various diseases.

• Jaundice – The symptom of jaundice may be associated with elevated levels of Alt in the blood. This is due to the fact that a high level of Alt indicates damage to liver cells, which can lead to disruption of its functions and the appearance of jaundice.
• Hepatitis – Elevated ALT levels may be associated with viral hepatitis, which is an infectious disease that affects the liver. Hepatitis can damage liver cells and increase blood levels of Alt.
• Cirrhosis of the liver – this severe disease is characterized by the replacement of healthy liver cells with scar tissue. An elevated Alt level is an indicator that liver cells are damaged and a consequence of cirrhosis.
• Pancreatitis – Elevated ALT along with elevated Amylase on a blood chemistry test may indicate pancreatitis. This is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas that can lead to tissue damage and elevated ALT levels.

If you suspect that you have elevated blood levels of Alt, be sure to visit your doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment of the relevant conditions.

How is Alt level related to diseases of the liver and biliary tract?

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found in high concentrations in the liver and to a lesser extent in the heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscles. When the cells of these organs are damaged, Alt enters the bloodstream, as a result of which its level increases.

Alt levels are also associated with biliary tract diseases such as cholelithiasis, cholangitis and cholelithiasis. Changes in blood Alt levels can help identify inflammatory processes in the liver, such as steatosis (fatty degeneration) and alcoholic hepatitis.

It should be noted that elevated levels of Alt can be caused not only by diseases of the liver and biliary tract, but also by taking certain medications, intense physical exertion, injuries and operations. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor and undergo additional tests to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

The role of Alt in the diagnosis of diseases of the heart and muscles

Alanine aminotransferase (Alt) is an enzyme that is a marker of damage to liver cells, but not only. A number of studies have shown that ALT is also involved in the diagnosis of certain diseases related to the heart and muscles.

High levels of Alt may indicate damage to the cardiovascular system, such as myocardial infarction or fibrosis of the heart muscle. Also, in patients with heart disease, an increase in serum ALT is usually observed. However, an increase in Alt often accompanies other blood biochemical parameters, such as AST and LDH.

Altogether, Alt can be a useful indicator of heart and muscle disease, but elevation is not 100% indicative of these diseases. For an accurate diagnosis, additional tests and examination by a doctor are necessary.

How to reduce the level of Alt in the biochemical analysis of blood?

A high level of Alt in a biochemical blood test may be a sign of a pathological process in the liver or another organ. Therefore, in order to reduce the level of Alt, it is necessary to conduct an examination and identify the cause of its increase.

If the doctor has given a recommendation to change the way of life, then it is necessary to follow it and lead a healthy lifestyle. Try to avoid alcohol, smoking, and fatty, fried, and salty foods. Include more fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins in your diet.

Medications can also be taken to help reduce ALT levels. But only after consulting a doctor, as some drugs can cause side effects and have contraindications.

In some cases, if the patient is diagnosed with liver disease, treatment with narrowly targeted drugs may be required. After the course of treatment, it is necessary to periodically undergo control studies to determine the level of ALT and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

How to act if the level of Alt in the blood is high

An increase in the level of Alt (alanine aminotransferase) in the blood can be a sign of various diseases of the liver, heart, pancreas and other organs. If you receive blood test results with elevated ALT levels, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and further treatment.

Your doctor may recommend the following steps to determine the cause of your elevated ALT levels:

• Additional blood and urine tests
• Ultrasound of the abdomen and heart
• CT or MRI of organs
• Biopsy of the liver or other affected organs drinking alcohol.

  It is important to remember that self-treatment of elevated ALT levels can be dangerous and lead to poor health.

  Alt and peculiarities of the use of certain drugs

  Alt and antibiotics

  Some antibiotics may cause an increase in Alt in the blood. This is due to toxic effects on the liver, which can lead to hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver. Representatives of macrolide antibiotics, such as azithromycin and clarithromycin, can cause a similar effect.

  Alt and antivirals

  Hepatitis C is sometimes treated with drugs that can also increase blood levels of Alt. These are antiviral drugs such as Interferon alfa and Ribavirin. There is also a risk of liver toxicity when using ciprofloxacin.

  Alt and antifungal drugs

  Some antifungal drugs can increase blood levels of Alt. For example, fluconazole and itraconazole have a pronounced hepatotoxic effect. In this regard, when using them, it is necessary to control the level of Alt in the blood.

  Alt and analgesics

  Prolonged use of analgesics with acetaminophen may lead to an increase in the level of Alt in the blood. Taking paracetamol and other analgesics can cause dystrophic changes in the liver, which negatively affects the level of Alt.

  Alt and cholesterol-lowering drugs

  Statins are drugs used to lower blood cholesterol levels. However, with prolonged use of statins, an increase in the level of Alt in the blood is possible. This fact may indicate the development of hepatitis or the threat of the development of chronic liver diseases.

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  Q&A:

  What is ALT in a biochemical blood test?

  ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in the cells of the liver and some other organs. When these cells are damaged, ALT enters the bloodstream, which can be determined in a biochemical blood test.

  What ALT values ​​are considered normal?

  The level of ALT in the blood depends on sex and age. In men, the norm is 10-40 units / l, in women – 7-35 units / l. But keep in mind that some drugs and diseases can affect the performance.

  What diseases can increase the level of ALT in the blood?

  Blood levels of ALT may be elevated in liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, as well as heart disease, muscular dystrophy and other disorders of cellular metabolism.

  What does elevated blood ALT mean?

  Elevated levels of ALT in the blood indicate damage to the cells of the organs that contain this enzyme. The cause may be diseases of the liver, heart and other organs, as well as medication or alcohol.

  What to do with high blood ALT values?

  If the level of ALT in the blood is elevated, it is necessary to consult a doctor to clarify the cause.