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What Does High AST Level Indicate?

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Posted on Sat, 19 Apr 2014
Question: l I have had 2 blood tests come back with high ast levels (my alt was in normal range.) first test was 66 second test with a week of abstaining was 99. I had an abdominal ultrasound done that came back good. Still waiting on auto immune blood work to come back. What could be the cause of the elevated levels if there is no liver damage? should I still be concerned?
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Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer: I don't think it is very serious issue. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXX Thanks for writing to HCM If liver parameters are alright except AST then other reasons for increased AST should be searched. It is important to know proper clinical details of the patient and reason for visiting laboratory. AST is not specific for the liver.It is normally found in red blood cells,liver,heart, muscle tissue,pancreas and kidneys,so every possibility should be excluded after clinical correlation. When body tissue or organ such as the heart,liver,muscle is diseased or damaged then additional AST is released into the bloodstream.It also increases after strenuous activity. It also increases due to drug intake like statins for hyperlipidemia,antibiotics etc. I don't think it is very serious issue.Your liver status is fine so you must have benign cause for two fold increase. You can repeat the test after 2 months. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Indu Kumar

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Practicing since :2004

Answered : 6729 Questions

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What Does High AST Level Indicate?

Brief Answer: I don't think it is very serious issue. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXX Thanks for writing to HCM If liver parameters are alright except AST then other reasons for increased AST should be searched. It is important to know proper clinical details of the patient and reason for visiting laboratory. AST is not specific for the liver.It is normally found in red blood cells,liver,heart, muscle tissue,pancreas and kidneys,so every possibility should be excluded after clinical correlation. When body tissue or organ such as the heart,liver,muscle is diseased or damaged then additional AST is released into the bloodstream.It also increases after strenuous activity. It also increases due to drug intake like statins for hyperlipidemia,antibiotics etc. I don't think it is very serious issue.Your liver status is fine so you must have benign cause for two fold increase. You can repeat the test after 2 months. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX