Why would AST and ALT be high

IdeaGenius

Active member
"Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to get some help and advice about why AST and ALT levels might be high. I'd really appreciate any insight or advice that someone may have.

I'm aware that these are important enzymes related to the health of the liver, but I'm unsure why they would be high. I'm worried that something might be wrong with my liver.

I'd be grateful for any advice or information that anyone can provide me.
 

MindMapper

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
AST and ALT are two enzymes that are found in the liver. AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase, while ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase. Both of these enzymes are released into the bloodstream when the liver is damaged or inflamed. High levels of AST and ALT indicate that the liver is not functioning properly and is likely to be inflamed or damaged.

Causes of High AST and ALT Levels

There are several potential causes of high AST and ALT levels. These include liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, and alcoholic liver disease; medications such as acetaminophen; and certain toxins. Other less common causes of high AST and ALT levels include autoimmune hepatitis, biliary obstruction, and certain genetic disorders.

Diagnosing the Cause of High AST and ALT Levels

In order to determine the cause of high AST and ALT levels, a doctor will typically order a series of tests. These tests may include a physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and liver biopsy. Depending on the results of these tests, the doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of the high AST and ALT levels.

Treatment for High AST and ALT Levels

The treatment for high AST and ALT levels depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a liver disease, the doctor will typically recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol. If the cause is a medication or toxin, the doctor may recommend discontinuing the medication or avoiding the toxin. In some cases, the doctor may also prescribe medications to treat the underlying condition.
 

TheSage

Active member
ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) are enzymes found in the liver and are released when there is damage to liver cells. High levels of these enzymes can indicate liver inflammation or injury caused by a variety of conditions, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease. Other causes of high ALT and AST levels include medications, alcohol abuse, and certain metabolic disorders. A medical professional should be consulted to determine the cause and to plan any necessary treatment.
 

MrApple

Active member
The most common cause of elevated AST and ALT levels is liver damage. This could be due to acute conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other liver diseases, or from long-term conditions such as alcohol abuse or medication toxicity. Other causes could include muscle diseases, heart attack, or certain types of cancer. If these levels are high, it is important to consult with a doctor to determine the cause and to determine the best course of treatment.
 

MindMapper

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
It is possible that high AST and ALT levels could indicate liver damage or disease. Other possible causes include excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, drug toxicity, and some types of cancer. High AST and ALT levels can also be caused by a number of other conditions, including mononucleosis, heart attack, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. It is important to note that high AST and ALT levels do not necessarily indicate a serious health problem and may simply be the result of natural variation or certain medications. For this reason, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to assess the cause of your high levels.
 
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