I Have Been A Heavy Drinker For A Long Time,

Posted on Mon, 3 Feb 2020

Question: I have been a heavy drinker for a long time, but recently I have had hard time concentrating to work, so I went and had liver related blood tests done.

AST: 31
ALT: 55
AST/ALT: 0.56
GGT: 195 !!!!
TBA: 12.86
TG: 2.49

All other numbers were within normal range.

How bad do these values look?

I'm going to see a doctor tomorrow, but I would like "a second opinion" before I see him.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
GGT is very high due to alcohol.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on Ask A Doctor forum.
The liver enzyme profile shows that GGT is very high.
The upper limit for GGT is 30 IU/L.
The other enzymes AST is within normal range.
ALT is mildly raised.
The AST / ALT ratio is also normal.
High GGT levels can occur in oxidative stress caused by alcohol.
Thus the first step to be taken is abstinence from alcohol till the GGT values comes to normal.
Kindly mention the units used for TBA and TG for interpretation.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (3 hours later)

TBA umol/L
TG mmol/L

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
TG level is high. Total bilirubin level is within range.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
TG value of 2.49 mmol/L is high.
TG is a component of lipid profile.
High TG level increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Total bilirubin level of 12.86 umol/L is within range.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng