What To Do About Fluctuating Liver Enzyme Levels

Liver enzymes are proteins the liver produces. The amount of these proteins in your blood is a good indication of your liver’s overall health. But elevated liver enzyme levels do not always mean serious liver damage or disease.

Sometimes, factors such as hormonal changes or reactions to medications can cause temporarily elevated liver enzyme levels. Elevated levels caused by these factors will generally return to normal in about 2 to 4 weeks without treatment.

Your liver makes proteins called liver enzymes that help your body perform necessary functions. For instance, liver enzymes help your body:

• fight infections
• make coagulation proteins that are necessary for blood clotting
• break down the food you eat
• break down toxins

Your liver makes several liver enzymes, including:

• Aspartate transaminase (AST)
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
• Alanine transaminase (ALT)
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)

These liver enzyme levels are a good indicator of how well your liver is functioning. A liver panel test checks liver enzyme levels in your blood.

A healthcare professional might order this test as part of routine blood work, as a way to monitor you if you’re at risk for liver disease, or as a diagnostic test if you have symptoms of liver disease or liver damage.

There are many reasons liver enzyme levels can change. Some causes are temporary and will resolve on their own. Other causes are more serious and will require medical treatment.

Temporary causes of changes in liver enzyme levels include:

• Hormones: Fluctuations in your liver levels can occur during your menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
• Certain medications: Some medications, including acetaminophen, antibiotics, and some cholesterol-lowering medications, can elevate your liver enzyme levels.
• Herbal supplements: Supplements such as iron, vitamin A, comfrey, and chaparral can elevate liver enzyme levels.
• Alcohol: Heavy drinking can raise your liver enzyme levels.

Causes of elevated liver enzyme levels that are more likely to be chronic include:

• Fatty liver disease: Heavy alcohol use, obesity, and a range of other factors can cause fatty liver disease. No matter the cause, fatty liver disease raises your liver enzyme levels.
• Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a rare condition that occurs when your body builds up too much iron. Elevated liver enzyme levels can be a symptom of the condition.
• All types of hepatitis: Any type of hepatitis, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, autoimmune hepatitis, and alcoholic hepatitis, causes liver inflammation and elevated liver enzymes.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is chronic liver damage. This damage causes elevated levels of liver enzymes.
• Liver cancer: Cancer that impacts your liver will also affect your liver enzyme levels.
• Hemolysis: Hemolysis is a type of anemia that occurs when your red blood cells are destroyed. It’s sometimes seen with alcohol-related liver diseases, and it can cause changes to liver enzyme levels.
• Thyroid disease: Hyperthyroidism can sometimes cause high levels of liver enzymes.
• Metabolic syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a term that refers to a group of conditions that raise your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and carrying excess weight around your midsection. People with metabolic syndrome may also have elevated liver levels.

The exact threshold for what is considered an elevated level or a typical level depends on your age, gender, health goals, and the values used by the specific lab. You can see some standard thresholds below.

• AST: under 36 U/L
• ALP: between 20 and 140 U/L
• ALT: under 25 U/L for women or under 33 U/L for men
• GGT: between 5 and 40 U/L

A liver function test might also measure:

• Albumin: between 35 and 50 U/L
• Bilirubin: between 0. 1 and 1.2 mg/dl

These values are not enzymes, but they’re also important chemicals made by your liver.

A liver function test is a standard blood draw. It can be done during a regular office visit. You don’t generally need any special preparation before a liver function test, although a doctor might ask you to fast for 12 to 24 hours before the blood draw. You can read more about liver function tests here.

The treatment for elevated liver enzymes depends on the cause. In many cases, liver enzyme levels return to normal on their own within about a month. You might need to switch medications, stop taking a supplement, or cut back on drinking if you drink, but you will not need a treatment plan.

In other cases, your doctor might need to treat the condition that’s raising your liver enzyme levels. They might order more tests, such as imaging tests, to get a better look at your liver or blood tests. They might also order a liver biopsy. Depending on your results, you might be referred to a specialist. Treatment will depend on your final diagnosis.

If you’re concerned your liver enzyme levels might be elevated, you might consider making some lifestyle changes at home, such as:

• reducing or eliminating alcohol from your diet
• being cautious about the medications and supplements you take
• staying active, including exercising regularly
• trying to add liver-friendly foods to your diet
• maintaining a moderate weight

Liver enzyme levels are an important indication of your liver’s health. When your enzyme levels are too high, it can be a symptom of liver damage or disease.

Some causes of elevated liver levels, such as hormonal changes or certain medications, are temporary and might resolve without treatment. Other causes are more serious and can include conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis C, and liver cancer.

Treatment for high liver enzyme levels depends on the cause.

8 Common Reasons for a High Liver Enzyme Count – ActiveBeat

• A high liver enzyme count often means there is inflammation or damage to cells in your liver.
• Individuals often don’t experience symptoms until the liver is damaged.
• Treatment will depend on what is causing your high liver enzyme count so it’s important to know all the possible causes.

So, your doctor has told you that you have a high liver enzyme count…now what? It could be associated with a disease or another health problem, but a doctor will be the one to assess the symptoms and rule out the possible causes.

In some cases, further tests will be needed to pinpoint the exact reason behind the elevated liver enzyme count. It can be something relatively minor that can easily be adjusted, or it can be something more serious that requires further medical supervision.

Here are eight possible reasons for a high liver enzyme count plus symptoms to watch for and how it’s treated.

Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can cause your liver enzyme count to be high. LiveStrong says some types can stress your liver at the recommended dose while others can stress your liver at nearly any dose.

Aside from OTC pain relievers, prescription drugs for cholesterol can also be the culprit. If your liver enzyme count is high be sure to discuss any prescription and OTC medications you are taking with your doctor.

Heart Failure

This is a more concerning cause of a high liver enzyme count because it means your heart isn’t pumping blood the way it should be, notes the Mayo Clinic. Certain conditions, such as coronary artery disease, can stress the heart and make it too weak to pump efficiently.

“Not all conditions that lead to heart failure can be reversed, but treatments can improve the signs and symptoms of heart failure and help you live longer,” adds the source. While the doctor may be able to trace the cause of your heart problems (such as congestive heart failure), elevated liver enzymes aren’t always traced to the heart.

Shutterstock/New Africa

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The Cleveland Clinic says non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most common causes of a high liver enzyme count, which can range in severity. It represents the storage of extra fat in the liver. The disease is “mostly silent,” which is why it is often discovered incidentally through routine tests for another health problem (such as blood tests as part of your yearly physical).

Although the disease often sits in the background as a benign condition until it’s discovered, it can be serious if it’s in the form of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). “NASH can progress to fibrosis and lead to end-stage liver disease,” adds the source.

Hepatitis

MedicineNet explains testing for liver enzyme counts is one of three ways that doctors evaluate patients with hepatitis (or inflammation of the liver). “If the liver is injured (as in viral hepatitis), the liver cells spill the enzymes into the blood, raising the enzyme levels in the blood and signaling that the liver is damaged,” it notes.

Hepatitis is commonly caused by a viral infection, and there’s an autoimmune form of the disease that causes your own body’s immune system to attack your otherwise healthy liver. There are a number of types of hepatitis, each with its own possible causes.

Alcoholic Liver Disease

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says that a history of heavy drinking may be responsible for your high liver enzyme count. However, alcoholic liver disease (ALD) can sometimes be a challenge for doctors to diagnose because patients often downplay their alcohol consumption, notes the source.

A medical diagnosis then relies on lab tests of three specific liver enzymes: gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Doctors will look for AST levels that are significantly higher than ALT levels.

The source explains that studies have shown that in about 80-percent of cases of ALD, the AST level is more than double that of the ALT level. GGT is another indicator of excessive drinking, “but GGT is present in many organs and is increased by other drugs as well,” it adds.

Celiac Disease

This is a condition where the digestive system is sensitive to gluten, which is found in grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley, causing a host of unpleasant symptoms. It can also cause your liver enzyme count to be out of whack, notes the University of Chicago Medicine.

The source also points out that your liver enzyme levels should go back to normal soon after cutting out gluten products (from a month to a year). If they don’t, then you may have another problem on your hands. Doctors may have to perform a liver biopsy if a change in your diet (such as a gluten-free diet) doesn’t cause the enzyme levels to decrease and no other cause is obvious.

Thyroid Problems

Hypothyroidism (or a low-functioning thyroid gland) is when this gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, which are responsible for a number of functions in your body (including liver function), notes Everyday Health.

The liver and thyroid are pretty closely connected. “Not only does the liver play a role in the chemical process that develops thyroid hormones but also untreated hypothyroidism can cause problems in liver function over time,” it explains. The doctor may order a liver panel test to look for things such as irregular GGT liver enzyme levels to determine a course of treatment.

Wilson’s Disease

Wilson’s disease could also be the cause of elevated liver enzymes, specifically ALT and AST. This is a “rare inherited disorder that causes copper to accumulate in your liver, brain and other vital organs,” explains the Mayo Clinic.

While copper is an essential mineral that plays a role in developing healthy bones and nerves, individuals with Wilson’s disease can’t eliminate copper properly. This causes it to accumulate “to a life-threatening level,” says the source. Luckily, if caught early, the disease is treatable but if left untreated, it can be fatal.

Risk Factors

Certain factors may increase your risk for elevated liver enzymes. For starters, the Cleveland Clinic says alcohol abuse and taking certain medications or vitamin supplements may increase your risk.

Having diabetes or a family history of liver disease may also increase your risk. As can having hepatitis or exposure to hepatitis, says the source. If you’re worried about your risk, talk to your doctor if you should be screened for high liver enzymes.

Common Symptoms of Elevated Liver Enzymes

Unfortunately, many people with elevated liver enzymes don’t develop symptoms, says the Cleveland Clinic. However, if the high levels cause liver damage, you may develop noticeable symptoms.

Some symptoms of liver damage to be on the lookout for include stomach pain, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), and itching. You may also have dark urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

How Is It Treated?

Treatment will depend on what is causing your high liver enzyme count. For example, if non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is causing your high levels, your doctor may recommend dietary changes and exercise.

If liver enzymes remain high after initial treatment your doctor may require more tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. You may also be referred to a liver specialist, known as a hepatologist.

Can It Be Prevented?

While not all conditions that cause high liver enzymes can be prevented, there are steps you can take to help keep your liver healthy, says the Cleveland Clinic. For starters, you can avoid alcohol, or at the very least drink in moderation.

The source says you can also protect your liver by managing a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. If you have diabetes, it’s important to manage your blood sugar levels. Furthermore, to protect yourself against hepatitis you can get the hepatitis A and B vaccine (if you don’t have it already). Finally, the source says you should inform your doctor about any medications, herbs, and supplements you take to ensure it’s safe for your liver.

Elevated Blood ALT: Causes and Diagnosis

Contents

• 1 Elevated Blood ALT: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
  • 1.1 Elevated Blood ALT
  • 1. 2 ALT: What It Is and How It Works 900 08
  • 1.3 Functions of ALT in the body
  • 1.4 Causes of elevated ALT levels
  • 1.5 Diseases that cause elevated levels of ALT in the blood
    • 1.5.1 Hepatitis
    • 1.5.2 Liver cirrhosis

    900 05 1.5.3 Gallstone disease

    • 1.5.4 Aminotransferase dystrophy (ATD)
    • 1.5.5 Other diseases
  • 1.6 Symptoms of elevated blood levels of ALT
  • 1.7 Diagnosis of elevated levels of ALT

  9 0005 1.8 ALT tests: preparation and procedure

  • 1.9 Blood ALT levels
  • 1.10 Q&A:
    • • 1.10.0.1 What is ALT and what is its blood level?
      • 1.10.0.2 What diseases can cause elevated blood levels of ALT?
      • 1.10.0.3 Can elevated ALT be due to medication?
      • 1.10.0.4 What test should be taken to determine the level of ALT in the blood?
      • 1.10.0.5 Is it possible to determine the level of ALT in the blood?
      • 1.10.0.6 What should be done if ALT is elevated in the blood?
  • 1. 11 Treating high ALT levels
  • 1.12 Related videos:

Wondering what a high ALT level in a blood test means? Find out what causes this, what are the symptoms, and how you can lower your ALT levels through diet and treatment.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is one of the indicators of a biochemical blood test that can signal liver damage. Elevated ALT levels can be indicative of a variety of diseases and conditions. The main thing is not to ignore this symptom and consult a doctor immediately.

Elevated blood levels of ALT can be caused by a variety of causes, including viral hepatitis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug poisoning, biliary obstruction, infectious diseases, and others. This indicator can also increase with prolonged physical exertion on the body, as well as during pregnancy.

In order to establish an accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive examination is required. In addition to a biochemical blood test for ALT, ultrasound and X-ray examinations of the abdominal organs, blood tests for other indicators, etc. can also be performed.

It is important to remember that spontaneous treatment can cause great harm to health. Be sure to contact only qualified doctors and follow all doctor’s prescriptions.

Elevated blood ALT

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in liver cells. When liver cells are damaged or destroyed, ALT is released into the bloodstream, causing an increase in blood levels of the enzyme.

Elevated blood levels of ALT can indicate many problems in the liver, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty degeneration, and others. However, ALT levels can be elevated in other diseases, not just in the liver.

To diagnose an elevated ALT level in the blood, it is necessary to conduct a blood test for biochemical analysis. In addition, additional tests, such as liver ultrasound or computed tomography, may be needed to determine the cause of elevated ALT levels.

• To reduce the level of ALT, you need to see a doctor and determine the cause of the change in level.
• Certain measures, such as avoiding alcohol, eating healthy and exercising, can help lower your ALT levels.
• Treatment of liver diseases is based on the cause of the disease.

ALT: what it is and how it works

ALT is an enzyme that converts alanine to pyroglutamate. ALT is found within liver cells, and to a lesser extent in the heart, muscles, and other organs.

It is important to understand that ALT cannot cross cell membranes. If the level of ALT is elevated, this may indicate the destruction of the cells that contain this enzyme.

ALT is used in medical diagnostics as an indicator of damage to the liver and other organs. Elevated blood levels of ALT can indicate various diseases such as viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, as well as drug toxicity and other health conditions.

1. ALT is an important indicator of the health of the liver and other organs
2. Elevated levels of ALT can indicate various diseases
3. It is important to identify the cause of elevated levels of ALT in the blood for proper diagnosis and treatment

No

50%

Functions of ALT in the body

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in body tissues, especially the liver and heart. There are several functions of ALT in the body. One of its main functions is participation in the metabolism of protein compounds, including amino acids.

ALT is also involved in the synthesis of glucose, which is the basis for energy expenditure in the cells of the body. This process is especially significant for the functioning of muscles and the implementation of physical activity.

In addition, ALT plays a key role in animal metabolism. It helps to remove excess ammonia, which is toxic to the body.

Changes in the level of ALT in the blood may indicate abnormalities in the functioning of the liver, heart and other organs.

Causes of elevated ALT levels

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the cells of the liver, heart, muscles and other organs. Its level in the blood is an indisputable marker of diseases of certain organs and tissues. Consider the main reasons for the increase in the level of ALT in the blood.

• Liver diseases . Elevated ALT levels can be associated with various liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and others. In these cases, an increase in ALT levels may be one of the first signs of the disease.
• Alcoholism . Heavy drinking can lead to liver damage and elevated ALT levels.
• Muscle injury . Muscle injury can lead to elevated ALT levels. Also, exercises that cause intense stress on the muscles can lead to an increase in ALT levels for a short time.
• Medicines . Certain medications, such as aspirin, antibiotics, steroids, and others, can raise blood levels of ALT.

Remember that elevated ALT is not a disease in itself, but only a marker. Diagnosis and identification of the causes of elevated levels of ALT in the blood requires a visit to a doctor and further examination.

Diseases that cause elevated levels of ALT in the blood

Hepatitis

An increase in the level of ALT in the blood is often associated with hepatitis – viral or alcoholic. Hepatitis is an inflammatory reaction of the liver that can lead to elevated levels of ALT in the blood. With viral hepatitis, ALT can increase by several tens of times.

Cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scarring, which can lead to decreased liver function. A high level of ALT in the blood can be one of the signs of cirrhosis of the liver.

Cholelithiasis

In gallstone disease, stones form in the gallbladder or bile ducts, which can lead to inflammation of the liver. ALT levels may be elevated in acute or chronic inflammation of the liver associated with gallstone disease.

Aminotransferase dystrophy (ATD)

Aminotransferase dystrophy is a genetic disease that causes an increase in ALT levels in the blood. This is due to a violation of the transfer of the amino acid alanine between cells.

Other diseases

Elevated levels of ALT may also be associated with other liver diseases such as hepatosis (changes in the structure of the liver), liver cancer or even heart failure.

Some diseases associated with an increase in the level of ALT Disease Description

Symptoms of elevated blood levels of ALT

Elevated levels of ALT in the blood can be a symptom of various diseases and organ dysfunctions.

One of the main signs of elevated ALT levels in the blood is pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Liver-related symptoms may also be observed: yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes, swelling of the abdomen, impaired digestion and weakness. In addition, elevated ALT levels may be accompanied by an enlarged spleen, as well as pain in the heart and muscles.

Increased ALT may indicate the presence of viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, alcohol and drug intoxication, diseases of the liver, bile ducts and biliary tract. Elevated ALT levels can also be observed in people with diabetes and obesity.

If you have symptoms of elevated ALT levels in the blood, it is important to immediately consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination in order to identify the cause of this condition and begin timely treatment.

Diagnosis of elevated ALT levels

Diagnosis of elevated blood ALT levels begins with a complete blood count, which is often performed during routine checkups. If the ALT level exceeds the norm, then the doctor may prescribe additional studies.

More specific tests, such as blood chemistry, urine, and feces, and ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder, may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of elevated ALT levels.

• Blood chemistry tests can help determine specific ALT levels as well as other indicators associated with liver disease;
• Ultrasound examination of the liver and gallbladder allows you to determine possible changes in these organs and study their structure;
• Urine and feces analysis helps to find out which metabolic products are excreted from the body;

Depending on symptoms and other factors, your doctor may order additional tests and procedures to identify the cause of your high ALT levels. The results of all these studies will help to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment.

ALT Tests: Preparation and Procedure

ALT testing requires preparation. Within 12 hours before blood sampling, it is recommended not to eat, and also to exclude the intake of alcohol, fatty and fried foods, and smoking. This will help avoid distorting the analysis results.

The process of taking blood to determine the level of ALT does not differ from the generally accepted procedure for taking blood. The health worker makes a small incision on the inner surface of the elbow and takes the required amount of blood into a special tube. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.

ALT results are usually available 1-2 days after blood sampling. With elevated ALT levels, additional diagnostics may be required to identify the cause of this phenomenon, but only a doctor can determine the need for such a study.

ALT blood levels

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme that is produced in liver cells and other body tissues. The normal level of ALT in the blood in adult men does not exceed 45 units per liter, in women – no more than 34 units per liter.

In children and adolescents, normal ALT levels may vary by age. So, in children under the age of 9, the normal level of ALT is no more than 50 units per liter, in adolescents aged 9 to 12 years – no more than 45 units per liter, and in boys and girls aged 12 to 18 years – no more than 55 units per liter.

It is important to note that ALT levels may vary depending on the assay methods used in the laboratory. When interpreting the results, it is necessary to take into account the specific methods and norms adopted in this laboratory.

Q&A:

What is ALT and what is its blood level?

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme found inside liver cells and is responsible for the metabolism of amino acids in the body. The norm of ALT in the blood in men is 10-40 U / l, and in women – 7-35 U / l. However, with various diseases, the norm may deviate upwards.

What diseases can cause elevated blood levels of ALT?

Elevated ALT levels may be associated with liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty degeneration), heart disease (heart attack, arrhythmia), problems with the external bile duct, and other diseases associated with impaired amino acid metabolism (eg, diabetes).

Can elevated ALT levels be related to medication?

Yes, some medications can increase ALT levels in the blood, such as anti-tuberculosis drugs, antivirals, steroids, anti-cancer drugs, antibiotics, etc. Therefore, you should tell your doctor that you are taking any medications before testing.

What test should be taken to determine the level of ALT in the blood?

To determine the level of ALT in the blood, it is necessary to take a biochemical blood test. Usually, this analysis is prescribed in combination with other tests, for example, complete blood count, bilirubin level, AST, etc.

Is it possible to determine the level of ALT in the blood?

No, the determination of the level of ALT in the blood is possible only when donating blood in a medical institution and conducting an appropriate analysis. It is impossible to independently determine the level of ALT in the blood.

What should be done if ALT is elevated in the blood?

If ALT levels are elevated, you should see a doctor to diagnose the disease that caused this deviation. Depending on the cause of the elevated ALT level, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Treatment of elevated ALT levels

If elevated ALT levels are detected, consult a physician and follow treatment recommendations. Changes in diet and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce ALT levels, but in most cases, medication will be needed.

Depending on the cause of the elevated ALT levels, different medications are used. If the cause is viral, then antiviral drugs are needed, in the case of hepatitis, the establishment of timely diagnosis, the choice of appropriate therapy and its strict implementation.

In diseases of the biliary tract, choleretic, gallstone preparations are recommended. In the presence of tumor processes, only surgical treatment can normalize the level of ALT. Additional recommendations for treatment should be prescribed by the attending physician.

It is not recommended to stop taking medications without your doctor’s consent.

• Drug treatment should be carried out under medical supervision.
• Do not combine drugs with alcohol to avoid additional damage to the liver.
• It is important to take care of your health and have regular medical check-ups.

If you experience pain in the right hypochondrium, weakness, fever, swelling and jaundice, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Related videos:

ALT blood chemistry when administered to children

ALT is an alanine aminotransferase enzyme that plays a key role in amino acid metabolism. ALT is found in the liver, as well as in skeletal muscle and the heart. In smaller quantities, it is found in the pancreas, spleen, and lungs.

Normally, the concentration of ALT in the blood is insignificant, but when the cells of the corresponding organs are destroyed, the transferase enters the bloodstream, and its level rises. Therefore, in clinical practice, the determination of the level of ALT in the blood serum is used to diagnose diseases of the liver and some other organs.

When is an ALT blood test ordered?

As a rule, a simultaneous analysis of ALT and AST (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) is prescribed. Usually this analysis is needed to diagnose diseases of the heart, liver, abdominal or chest injuries, to monitor liver function during serious treatment (for example, antiretroviral therapy for HIV). A blood test for ALT and AST is indicated for intoxication, autoimmune and endocrine pathologies, and allergies. An analysis of ALT and AST is included in a comprehensive biochemical blood test during pregnancy.

IMPORTANT! Information from the article cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment! Only a doctor can prescribe the necessary examinations, establish a diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan for a consultation!

How to prepare for the analysis?

A week before the analysis, do not abuse salty, fatty, spicy, starchy foods and sweets. Blood for ALT and AST should be taken on an empty stomach, you should also not smoke before the analysis. Before analysis for ALT and AST, X-rays and ultrasound are not prescribed.

If ALT is elevated

ALT levels vary by age. The norm of ALT in men and women is different.

• An increase in ALT up to 3 times is considered small.
• Moderately elevated ALT is considered to be 3-19 times higher than normal.
• If ALT is increased by more than 20 times, such an increase is considered significant.
• In hepatitis, ALT can be increased by 20-50 times, as liver cells are actively destroyed. For example, in hepatitis A, there is a moderate increase in ALT several weeks before the onset of characteristic symptoms. This enables doctors to stop the development of the disease in a timely manner.
  Cirrhosis of the liver, in which hepatocytes die and connective tissues appear in their place, also causes a sharp increase in ALT.
• An increase in ALT in oncological diseases may indicate liver metastases, but this is not necessary.