AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in the liver and muscles, and its levels in the bloodstream can increase when there is damage to the liver or muscles. High levels of AST can be caused by a variety of muscle-related conditions, including muscle strain, muscle damage due to exercise, muscle necrosis, and polymyositis.
Muscle Strain
Muscle strains are the most common cause of high AST levels. A muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are stretched or torn due to overuse or trauma. This can occur due to excessive exercise, lifting heavy objects, or playing sports. Symptoms of a muscle strain include pain, swelling, stiffness, and weakness in the affected muscle.
Muscle Damage Due to Exercise
Muscle damage due to exercise is another cause of high AST levels. This type of muscle damage is caused by intense or prolonged physical activity that leads to microscopic tears in the muscle fibers. Symptoms of muscle damage due to exercise include muscle soreness, swelling, and weakness.
Muscle Necrosis
Muscle necrosis is a condition in which muscle cells die due to lack of oxygen, trauma, or infection. Symptoms of muscle necrosis include pain, weakness, and swelling.
Polymyositis
Polymyositis is an inflammatory condition of the muscles that can cause muscle weakness and pain. It is caused by the immune system attacking the muscles, which leads to inflammation and damage to the muscle fibers. This can cause high AST levels.
