Question: l I have had 2 blood tests come back with high ast levels (my alt was in normal range.) first test was 66 second test with a week of abstaining was 99. I had an abdominal ultrasound done that came back good. Still waiting on auto immune blood work to come back. What could be the cause of the elevated levels if there is no liver damage? should I still be concerned?
Brief Answer:
I don't think it is very serious issue.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
If liver parameters are alright except AST then other reasons for increased AST should be searched.
It is important to know proper clinical details of the patient and reason for visiting laboratory.
AST is not specific for the liver.It is normally found in red blood cells,liver,heart, muscle tissue,pancreas and kidneys,so every possibility should be excluded after clinical correlation.
When body tissue or organ such as the heart,liver,muscle is diseased or damaged then additional AST is released into the bloodstream.It also increases after strenuous activity.
It also increases due to drug intake like statins for hyperlipidemia,antibiotics etc.
I don't think it is very serious issue.Your liver status is fine so you must have benign cause for two fold increase.
You can repeat the test after 2 months.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
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What Does High AST Level Indicate?
Brief Answer:
I don't think it is very serious issue.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
If liver parameters are alright except AST then other reasons for increased AST should be searched.
It is important to know proper clinical details of the patient and reason for visiting laboratory.
AST is not specific for the liver.It is normally found in red blood cells,liver,heart, muscle tissue,pancreas and kidneys,so every possibility should be excluded after clinical correlation.
When body tissue or organ such as the heart,liver,muscle is diseased or damaged then additional AST is released into the bloodstream.It also increases after strenuous activity.
It also increases due to drug intake like statins for hyperlipidemia,antibiotics etc.
I don't think it is very serious issue.Your liver status is fine so you must have benign cause for two fold increase.
You can repeat the test after 2 months.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX