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What Does My Blood Test Report Indicate?
Question: Hello I am 69 year old male who had a complete blood panel workup as part of my annual physical 3 weeks ago. Everything came back normal except I am about 20 pounds over weight, mostly belly fat, and my Liver enzymes. My AST was 62 U/ L and my ALT U/L was 58. I have never had a alcoholic drink in my life. I have been researching liver disease on line and I don't seem to have any of those symptoms. My only surgery was 3 months ago when I had a kidney stone removed along with TURP surgery to reduce a non cancer enlarged prostate. Should I be overly concerned about my high liver enzyme readings?
Brief Answer:
symptoms do not typically occur at these levels
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Lab normal ranges can vary slightly from one lab to the next.
The levels, particularly the AST, are above the typical normal range ,though the increase would be considered mild.
With mild increases in liver enzymes, symptoms are not usually present. Symptoms tend to occur with more substantial increases in values.
Since there is no history of alcohol abuse, then it is possible that the increase is related to the other common cause of increased liver enzymes-NON ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
This is the build up of fat in the liver that is NOT related to alcohol use. It can sometimes go on to cause inflammation and damage to the liver.
This means that treatment would need to be initiated to prevent further changes.
Normally treatment would involve lifestyle changes and possibly medication, if needed.
Lifestyle changes would be related to diet changes and activity level.
Medications may include statins that are typically used for high cholesterol.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
symptoms do not typically occur at these levels
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Lab normal ranges can vary slightly from one lab to the next.
The levels, particularly the AST, are above the typical normal range ,though the increase would be considered mild.
With mild increases in liver enzymes, symptoms are not usually present. Symptoms tend to occur with more substantial increases in values.
Since there is no history of alcohol abuse, then it is possible that the increase is related to the other common cause of increased liver enzymes-NON ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
This is the build up of fat in the liver that is NOT related to alcohol use. It can sometimes go on to cause inflammation and damage to the liver.
This means that treatment would need to be initiated to prevent further changes.
Normally treatment would involve lifestyle changes and possibly medication, if needed.
Lifestyle changes would be related to diet changes and activity level.
Medications may include statins that are typically used for high cholesterol.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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