AST vs ALT: What Are They?
AST and ALT are two enzymes found in the liver and other tissues. AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is found in the heart and muscles, while ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is found mainly in the liver. AST and ALT are both involved in the process of breaking down proteins.
What Do High Levels of AST and ALT Indicate?
High levels of AST and ALT in the blood usually indicate that the liver is injured or inflamed. This can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or other types of liver disease. High levels of AST and ALT can also indicate that there is damage to other organs, such as the heart or muscles.
Which Is Worse: High AST or ALT?
The answer to this question depends on the underlying cause of the high levels. In general, high levels of AST and ALT are both indicative of liver damage or inflammation. However, if the cause of the high levels is related to another organ, such as the heart or muscles, then the AST level will be higher than the ALT level. Therefore, in this case, the higher AST level would be worse than the high ALT level.