HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Elevated GGT Levels?

My wife had a GGT score of 125. It said normal range was 10-60. She found out via a blood test for life insurance. Our rates were increasing after 20 years on an old term policy. This doubles her super preferred rate which I thought she had. She has 1-3 glasses Chardonay/day for about 6 years. How serious is this? She was going to see her family doctor In 5 days. She walks and exercises 5 miles each day and has no other health issues. She is 5 3 115 Pounds. She said she went out with me the night before the test and drank quite a bit with with a friend. I didn t drink at all. She blames on that. The insurance company will reconsider with a normal test. My concern is first her health but also not losing her chance for best rates perhaps if the retest is bad and puts such a mark In her records. How essential is it to have a retest so soon. Test was 2 weeks ago and just stopped drinking last night. Would it hurt medical to wait longer to assure better chance of good repeat test, and if she does what s a good time frame to wait to give the Doctor a better guide to her health status? Thank you. Garry
Fri, 28 Sep 2018
Report Abuse
General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi,

The gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is primarily present in Liver, Kidney, and pancreatic cells. Normal Reference Values for age 41-45 years: 9-37 U/L. It is an index of liver cell injury caused by toxins such as alcohol, drugs, poisons, etc.

Such high levels are usually due to liver diseases, such as hepatitis like alcoholic liver disease or cirrhosis and gall bladder diseases. Even small amounts of alcohol within 24 hours of a GGT test may cause a temporary increase in the GGT.

Other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, or pancreatitis may also increase the level of GGT. Drugs like Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, and Phenobarbital are also known to increase the level.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein,
General Surgeon
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Elevated GGT Levels?

Hi, The gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is primarily present in Liver, Kidney, and pancreatic cells. Normal Reference Values for age 41-45 years: 9-37 U/L. It is an index of liver cell injury caused by toxins such as alcohol, drugs, poisons, etc. Such high levels are usually due to liver diseases, such as hepatitis like alcoholic liver disease or cirrhosis and gall bladder diseases. Even small amounts of alcohol within 24 hours of a GGT test may cause a temporary increase in the GGT. Other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, or pancreatitis may also increase the level of GGT. Drugs like Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, and Phenobarbital are also known to increase the level. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon