What are normal liver enzyme levels?
Typically the range for normal AST is reported between 10 to 40 units per liter and ALT between 7 to 56 units per liter. Mild elevations are generally considered to be 2-3 times higher than the normal range. In some conditions, these enzymes can be severely elevated, in the 1000s range.
What do you need to know about liver enzymes?
There are several enzymes in the liver, including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Elevated liver enzymes, found with a blood test, indicate inflamed or injured liver cells. Why does a doctor check for elevated liver enzymes?
How are ALT enzymes found in the liver?
The severity of the spike revealed in blood tests may indicate whether or not the patient is suffering from the early stages of liver disease, but this is mainly determined by the patient’s ALT levels. The ALT enzymes are mainly found in the liver, claims MedicineNet.com.
What is the upper limit of normal liver enzymes?
The high end of the reference range is referred to as the upper limit of normal (ULN). This number is used to establish how elevated your liver enzymes are. Mild elevations are generally considered to be two to three times the ULN. With some liver diseases, the level can exceed 50 times the ULN. Levels this high are described as deranged.
What causes elevated liver enzymes in blood test?
If a person’s blood test results show elevated liver enzymes, a doctor will investigate possible underlying causes. They may do further tests in addition to asking about a person’s lifestyle and dietary habits. The most common cause of elevated liver enzymes is fatty liver disease.
What are the reasons for elevated liver enzymes?
Most common causes for elevation of liver enzymes are alcohol abuse, medications such as pain relievers, medications for seizures, antibiotics, and medications to lower cholesterol levels, antidepressant drugs, niacin , and cardiovascular drugs. An overweight or fatty liver may also cause liver enzymes to be elevated.
What are the reasons for my elevated liver enzymes?
Causes and symptoms of high liver enzymes Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Considered the most common reason for a person to develop elevated liver enzymes as found on a blood test. Medications (prescription or over the counter) Many of the drugs we use, prescribed by a doctor or not, can cause an overload on the liver resulting in elevated liver enzymes. Alcohol abuse.
What are risks associated with having elevated liver enzymes?
It is the most common cause of elevated liver enzymes. Risk factors for the development of Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease A condition in which fat accumulates in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol. include obesity and type 2 diabetes. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has two forms: hepatic steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
What is the remedy for elevated liver enzymes?
When elevated liver enzymes are related to anemia, obesity and alcohol, doctors recommend adjusting eating habits. Anemic patients are encouraged to follow diets high in iron or take iron supplements .