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What Causes Deranged ALT/AST Level?
Question: good evening, during my routine physical I was informed that my ALT levels were 49 and that I should retake a blood test with a more specific liver panel . The results of these tests are as follows;GGT 25, AST35 and ALT 56. I am now schedule to take a ultrasound. My background is that I do take medicine for high cholesterol 40mg for about 4 years, I also have a history or higher iron content in my blood. Total Iron and total iron binding capacity 73 , 316 percent saturation 23. alpha fetoprotein tumor market 0.6. Needless to say I'm worried . Heard about fatty liver and other causes. Should I be overly concerned ?
Brief Answer:
Probably due to Atorvastatin
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
I can find a cause for deranged ALT/AST from the history you have provided.
The cause could be Atorvastatin, specially at such high dose, can cause derangement of Liver Function tests.
Another possibility for this derangement could be Hemochromatosis in your case as you said that you have high iron content in your blood.
I would like to know a few more details:
1. Alcohol consumption?
2. Why have you been on high dose Atorvastatin? And since when?
3. Have you ever got your Liver Function tests done earlier, if yes please mention the results.
4. Why did you go for Liver Function Tests? Any specific reason? Or just routinely?
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any query you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
Probably due to Atorvastatin
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
I can find a cause for deranged ALT/AST from the history you have provided.
The cause could be Atorvastatin, specially at such high dose, can cause derangement of Liver Function tests.
Another possibility for this derangement could be Hemochromatosis in your case as you said that you have high iron content in your blood.
I would like to know a few more details:
1. Alcohol consumption?
2. Why have you been on high dose Atorvastatin? And since when?
3. Have you ever got your Liver Function tests done earlier, if yes please mention the results.
4. Why did you go for Liver Function Tests? Any specific reason? Or just routinely?
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any query you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Alcohol consumption is social primarily on weekends and sporting events. Light beer only no hard Alcohol. Normally Friday and Saturday no more than 5-6 beers each day.
Higher dose was to get Cholestorol under control started with 20 mg and then doctor upped the dose. All in all about 4 years with higher dose - other years soff an on with lower doses. the medicine prescribed is Caduet 2.5/40.
First time with LFT normally just received routine blood tests. but Liver ALT never mentioned since not out of range. This is first year. LFT was a follow up to normal blood test which yielded an ALT of 49. Would the green smoothie diet over two weeks cause any spikes in ALT if its natural organic vegetables with no supplements like I mentioned earlier? Thanks
Higher dose was to get Cholestorol under control started with 20 mg and then doctor upped the dose. All in all about 4 years with higher dose - other years soff an on with lower doses. the medicine prescribed is Caduet 2.5/40.
First time with LFT normally just received routine blood tests. but Liver ALT never mentioned since not out of range. This is first year. LFT was a follow up to normal blood test which yielded an ALT of 49. Would the green smoothie diet over two weeks cause any spikes in ALT if its natural organic vegetables with no supplements like I mentioned earlier? Thanks
Brief Answer:
No relation with green or natural organic diet.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
See you have to understand.
You have 2 main reasons for rise in liver enzymes that can act together to produce such derangement.
1. Atorvastatin
2. Alcohol intake. Even beer because you are taking Atorvastatin that is already affecting your liver.
Excessive intake of green vegetables can't harm your liver nor organic vegetables.
I would advice you to discuss with your doctor regarding reducing the dose of Atorvastatin.
Also I would advice you to avoid alcohol intake.
Also get an Ultrasound Abdomen done to see for liver status.
If you would get a repeat LFT done it might cone normal but that doesn't mean that your liver is now normal.
Discuss my opinion with your doctor I am your he will agree to this.
If you have any further query please ask me, else you may close the discussion and rate it.
Stay Healthy.
No relation with green or natural organic diet.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
See you have to understand.
You have 2 main reasons for rise in liver enzymes that can act together to produce such derangement.
1. Atorvastatin
2. Alcohol intake. Even beer because you are taking Atorvastatin that is already affecting your liver.
Excessive intake of green vegetables can't harm your liver nor organic vegetables.
I would advice you to discuss with your doctor regarding reducing the dose of Atorvastatin.
Also I would advice you to avoid alcohol intake.
Also get an Ultrasound Abdomen done to see for liver status.
If you would get a repeat LFT done it might cone normal but that doesn't mean that your liver is now normal.
Discuss my opinion with your doctor I am your he will agree to this.
If you have any further query please ask me, else you may close the discussion and rate it.
Stay Healthy.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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