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What Causes Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Question: I recently had a blood test for a Life Insurance exam..
AST: 44
ALT: 47
GGT: 179
I didn't know I wasn't suppose to have any alcohol the night before and I has some wine. Could that have raised those levels not indicating a liver disorder? or do those levels confirm a liver disorder? Should I be concerned?
AST: 44
ALT: 47
GGT: 179
I didn't know I wasn't suppose to have any alcohol the night before and I has some wine. Could that have raised those levels not indicating a liver disorder? or do those levels confirm a liver disorder? Should I be concerned?
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
One of the most common reasons for blood test results like the ones you have shared is obesity and fatty liver disease.
If you are significantly overweight this can sometimes cause elevation of your liver enzymes. As you have mentioned, alcohol consumption can also contribute to this. It will be unlikely that a glass of wine would significantly affect these numbers however.
I think you should follow up with your primary care doctor and have a repeat set of tests done. If you are significantly overweight it is extremely important that you work on weight loss as thisWill many times help to improve fatty liver disease.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
One of the most common reasons for blood test results like the ones you have shared is obesity and fatty liver disease.
If you are significantly overweight this can sometimes cause elevation of your liver enzymes. As you have mentioned, alcohol consumption can also contribute to this. It will be unlikely that a glass of wine would significantly affect these numbers however.
I think you should follow up with your primary care doctor and have a repeat set of tests done. If you are significantly overweight it is extremely important that you work on weight loss as thisWill many times help to improve fatty liver disease.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you!
I'm 5'2" and weigh 138. My BMI was 26.6. Is that considered obese?
I drink wine almost every night. I had more than my share of wine the weekend before my test. (Celebrating birthdays with friends) and I had 3 glasses of chardonnay the night before my test.
Also, I drink 1-2 diet coke and smoke approx. 10 cigarettes per. Could that have contributed to the raised levels?
I'm 5'2" and weigh 138. My BMI was 26.6. Is that considered obese?
I drink wine almost every night. I had more than my share of wine the weekend before my test. (Celebrating birthdays with friends) and I had 3 glasses of chardonnay the night before my test.
Also, I drink 1-2 diet coke and smoke approx. 10 cigarettes per. Could that have contributed to the raised levels?
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
thank you for the additional information.
You're certainly not obese. I suspect that it is possible that long-term alcohol use could be leading to some changes in your liver. I think it would be important for you to discuss this with your doctor. You might also consider changing your lifestyle and possibly discontinuing alcohol consumption for the time being. Your liver function is much more important at this time.
Please make an appointment to talk about this with your doctor.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
thank you for the additional information.
You're certainly not obese. I suspect that it is possible that long-term alcohol use could be leading to some changes in your liver. I think it would be important for you to discuss this with your doctor. You might also consider changing your lifestyle and possibly discontinuing alcohol consumption for the time being. Your liver function is much more important at this time.
Please make an appointment to talk about this with your doctor.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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