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What Causes Elevated AST Level?

Posted on Sat, 29 Mar 2014

Question: 2 weeks ago I had routine blood work that came back showing my liver enzymes elevated. AST 66 ALT 18. I retook the test with a hep screen a week later. I did not drink any alcohol the entire week. To my disappointment the results came back even higher (but negative for hepatitis) This time my levels were AST 99 ALT 28. If abstaining from alcohol didn't help at all it makes me wonder what and how much trouble I am in. Im very worried. Other info Im a 33 year old female have drank 3-4 glasses of wine a night pretty consistently the past year Im 5'7 and 155 lbs

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Factors causing high AST... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your query carefully and understood your concerns. From the liver enzymes results you sent in, I have noticed that you are having a high AST while ALT is within normal levels. There are many causes to this, not necessarily related to liver problems (hepatitis): - common viral infection - muscular issues - to my calculations, your BMI score is 27; considered as overweight (which might also be a cause to high AST). I suggest to: - repeat liver enzymes testing 6 weeks after stop drinking alcohol - meanwhile, you should do some diet and lifestyle changes Hope it was of help! Dr.Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 minute later)

Thank you for your response. I just recently started going to the gym...would that cause the muscular issues you mentioned?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Could be a possible cause... Detailed Answer: Hi, Yes, perhaps you are entering a very intensive programme that has caused such high AST levels. Please do not forget to repeat the liver function tests after 6 weeks and not to drink alcohol meanwhile. Dr.Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 minutes later)

I definitely will repeat the test. I have 1 more question if you don't mind. The increase of AST 30 points up in 2 weeks...is that extreme? I'm wondering how concerning all this is. Again, I appreciate your time and responses.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Wait until next tests results... Detailed Answer: Hi again, Thank you for following up. Such increase in AST is considered very high. However, I would suggest to wait until you repeat the test again to understand what is really happening inside your body causing such spikes. Meanwhile, I still insist to follow the diet and lifestyle changes and absolutely no alcohol until next tests. Dr.Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (12 hours later)

Is alcoholic hepatitis something I should be concerned about? Should I ask for an ultrasound now or wait for next results and go from there. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (47 hours later)

Brief Answer: Wait until next tests results... Detailed Answer: Hi again my dear Thank you following up. With regards to alcoholic hepatitis I would like to say that your liver panel is not too high, if you stop alcohol it will return it normal levels. So please don’t worry. Please repeat the liver function tests after 6 weeks and abdominal ultrasound at the same time. You don’t need to do abdominal ultrasound immediately. Wishing you all the best Dr.Klerida

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