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What Causes Elevated ALT Levels?

Posted on Wed, 29 Oct 2014

Question: Good day.

I just received some lab work:

ALT (SGPT) 47 HIGH 0-44 IU/L 01
Cholesterol, Total 211 HIGH 100-199 mg/dL 01
Triglycerides 262 HIGH 0-149 mg/dL 01
HDL Cholesterol 32 LOW >39 mg/dL 01
VLDL Cholesterol Cal 52 HIGH 5-40 mg/dL 01
LDL Cholesterol Calc 127 HIGH 0-99 mg/dL 01

Wondering if diet is the culprit for the elevated ALT. Both cholesterol and ALT shot up within the last 6 months.

Also I have no symptoms (pain, bloating, fever, yellow skin/eyes).

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX Stevens,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

Your ALT is just 3 units above the upper limit of normal and I would not worry about it. Only if it is more than 2-3 times the upper limit of normal, then it is a matter of concern.

The most common cause of raised liver enzymes is fatty liver disease. You can get an ultrasound scan of the abdomen done to see whether you have fatty liver.
Your lipid profile shows numbers well above the upper limit of normal and this is one of the causes of fatty liver. Other causes being obesity, diabetes , alcohol intake etc..

Diet alone is not the culprit.

I hope that answers your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (23 hours later)

I met with my Doc today who seemed somewhat concerned about my elevated IGF-1.

IGF-1
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I 211 HIGH 67-205 ng/mL 02

What say you?

Thanks for your help.
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Why was IGF -1 test done?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (6 minutes later)

It was included in the lab test ordered ... there wasn't a specific reason to include that particular test.

I had no symptoms indicating something wrong with my pituitary (headaches, blurred vision, etc).

I am also 50-60 pds overweight ... and now have secured the help of a nutritionalist.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
IGF-1 is related to growth.
Your IGF-1 is only few ng above normal limit.
If you do not have any symptoms related to pituitary then there is no need to worry.

You can repeat the test after a couple of days.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar