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What Does Raised ALT Level Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Question: Hi.I had some routine blood tests done last Thursday and have been told today that I have raised ALT. And should come back in 6 weeks to get a re test. A week before that I had surgery to remove a fibroid and over Xmas drank more than normal although I probably exceed the 14 units weekly if I am honest and will be cutting back. Do you think either if these could have impacted the results?
I am concerned,is raised levels common? Can they return to normal and could it be a sign of cancer? All the other LFT tests were normal.
Thanks
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Alcohol causes increased levels of ALT and AST!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

Because you drank so much during the festive periods, this is a possible cause. Alcohol is known to cause this. With no other abnormal results, completing investigations and monitoring would be the best approach for now.

This is not a marker of cancer. I am pretty confident all would be normal if you stop alcohol and there are no other abnormalities identified at this time.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (6 minutes later)
Many Thanks for your reply.
Is it ok to drink moderately? Ie stick to the weekly guidelines?
Is there any medication I can take to help with this, milk thistle?

Thanks

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
My advice is to drink minimally!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for following up with me.

Drink in very small quantities. This has enormous benefits. I will not like to see you drink much just to damage your liver, increase risk of heart disease, cancers, etc. Take great responsibility.

I will recommend keeping away until the investigations are completed and conclusions reached so as to be sure that this alcohol history is not making interpretations, conclusions and recommendations difficult

I wish you well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Does Raised ALT Level Indicate?

Brief Answer: Alcohol causes increased levels of ALT and AST! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. Because you drank so much during the festive periods, this is a possible cause. Alcohol is known to cause this. With no other abnormal results, completing investigations and monitoring would be the best approach for now. This is not a marker of cancer. I am pretty confident all would be normal if you stop alcohol and there are no other abnormalities identified at this time. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.