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What Does Elevated AST And ALT Level Indicate?
Question: Hello,
I am a 26 year old male who on a recent blood test had elevated ALT (88) and AST (56) levels. All other facets of my blood tests were in normal range. Was wondering if this is a sign of hepatitis or fatty liver? I drank heavily in college but have reduced it considerably over the last 4 years, but I still drink moderately. I'm currently 250 lbs for my height of 6'4" and have lost about 25 lbs over the last few years. What is your opinion? Thank you for your time.
I am a 26 year old male who on a recent blood test had elevated ALT (88) and AST (56) levels. All other facets of my blood tests were in normal range. Was wondering if this is a sign of hepatitis or fatty liver? I drank heavily in college but have reduced it considerably over the last 4 years, but I still drink moderately. I'm currently 250 lbs for my height of 6'4" and have lost about 25 lbs over the last few years. What is your opinion? Thank you for your time.
Brief Answer:
possible
Detailed Answer:
Yes, the fact that you have elevated AST and ALT are reflecting the fact that you have an inflammed liver. The reason for this liver test abnormality can't be known for sure by just these blood test, however the fact that you have a history of alcohol intake in the past plus being overweitght, it is highly likely that you have fatty liver disease.
Your doctor should test you for viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), and for other diseases (which can also be checked by blood tests, such as iron overload, autoimmune diseases of the liver, etc). An ultrasound will usually reveal if there is fat in the liver. If the cause is still unknown despite bloodwork and imaging studies, you may ultimately need a liver biopsy, but not for now.
My advise for now is for you to avoid alcohol completely, and try to lose weight more weight (congratulations on losing 25 lbs!). Rechecking liver tests after you have been off alcohol for a few weeks is advisable to see if the AST and ALT normalize.
hope that helps
possible
Detailed Answer:
Yes, the fact that you have elevated AST and ALT are reflecting the fact that you have an inflammed liver. The reason for this liver test abnormality can't be known for sure by just these blood test, however the fact that you have a history of alcohol intake in the past plus being overweitght, it is highly likely that you have fatty liver disease.
Your doctor should test you for viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), and for other diseases (which can also be checked by blood tests, such as iron overload, autoimmune diseases of the liver, etc). An ultrasound will usually reveal if there is fat in the liver. If the cause is still unknown despite bloodwork and imaging studies, you may ultimately need a liver biopsy, but not for now.
My advise for now is for you to avoid alcohol completely, and try to lose weight more weight (congratulations on losing 25 lbs!). Rechecking liver tests after you have been off alcohol for a few weeks is advisable to see if the AST and ALT normalize.
hope that helps
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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