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What Does Elevated AST And ALT Levels Suggest?

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Posted on Sat, 9 May 2015
Question: Hi, I had a blood test today. My AST is 87 and my ALT is 130. I had approximately 6-8 beer less than 24 hours earlier. Is the beer responsible for the elevation
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 minutes later)
Hi XXXX
You are absolutely right.
Elevated enzymes reflect the liver damage.
And Alcohol in any form is responsible for this type of injury.
It also affects the brain, heart, testicles, eyes, etc.
Avoid boozing too much.
Reply with thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 minutes later)
They also did an ultra sound of gallbladder but didnt say anything. Ive read that this could be hepititas c and im freaking out. I have a dr appointment set for this coming tuesday but im freaking out! Do you see anything that could offer peace of mind for me?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Elevated liver enzymes are caused by many conditions.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting your query on HCM.
I appreciate your concern towards the elevated liver enzymes.

These enzymes are raised in a number of diseases involving liver, gall bladder, some times other organs as well.
One of the most common causes due to liver involvement is due to alcohol intake.
Since you have recently undergone abdominal ultrasound, the possibility of gall bladder disease like due to gall stones may also be responsible for the raised enzymes.

In view of your upcoming appointment on next Tuesday, you may request your treating doctor to rule out the possibility of Hepatitis C virus infection by relevant lab investigations.

Right now, there is nothing to worry much about the elevated enzymes, which can return to normal upon discontinuing alcohol, taking healthy diet in the form of fruits, vegetables, drinking lot of water.

Hope theses suggestions could be of great help not only reducing your apprehension but also proper health care.

Best regards.




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (33 hours later)
I recieved a phone call from my Dr yesterday and he stated that the labs that he drew a week prior to those also showed elevated liver enzymes but stated that all of my other blood work looked normal. Im not sure if this should ease my mind or not. I know that i am stressing myself out and i need to just wait until my appointment but i cant keep my mind off of this. To my knowledge he tested my blood for something to do with a bacteria or something to do with ulcers? Also just to add, i have never used drugs interveiniously but i have had unprotected sex. Im pretty worried. Any sogns or symptoms i need to be looking for to rule out anything that is life threatening?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Your blood testing appears to be normal except for raised liver enzymes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the latest lab results which show only elevated liver enzymes. Accordingly the other tests for viral infection appear to be normal as per your statement.
So, in view of the above findings you need not have to worry about the possibility of any serious or life threatening condition at the moment.

But in order to prevent further liver damage, you are hereby advised to refrain from alcohol ingestion, do regular exercise, eat healthy diet, increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, avoid fatty fast and junk foods.

The elevated liver enzymes will return to normal if you follow the instructions given above.

In case if you develop unexplained fever, right upper abdominal pain, cough, rash or joint pains with yellowish discoloration of the skin you may contact your doctor.

Hope these suggestions have lessened your apprehension regarding the elevated enzymes and the normal lab results.

Wishing you best of your health.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 6261 Questions

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What Does Elevated AST And ALT Levels Suggest?

Hi XXXX You are absolutely right. Elevated enzymes reflect the liver damage. And Alcohol in any form is responsible for this type of injury. It also affects the brain, heart, testicles, eyes, etc. Avoid boozing too much. Reply with thanks