In a primary care context, elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are indicative of abnormal liver function tests.
Raised ALT and AST are frequently linked to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), drugs, chronic alcohol consumption, and chronic viral hepatitis.
The degree of liver damage in chronic viral hepatitis may not be well correlated with the elevation of liver enzymes.
Raised ALT and AST can have non-hepatic causes such as hypothyroidism, polymyositis, acute muscle injury, and acute myocardial infarction.
In the context of primary care, the physician ought to get a thorough medical history with regard to substance abuse and viral hepatitis risk factors, and then request appropriate investigations.
It is best to refer patients with suspected chronic viral hepatitis and liver cirrhosis to a hepatologist for additional care.
When Should High AST and ALT Levels Worry Me?
The comparison of ALT and AST levels can aid in the diagnosis of liver damage, liver disease, and toxins in the liver.
The liver function test is a comprehensive panel of tests that includes measurements of ALT and AST levels.
If you experience any of the symptoms of liver disease—jaundice, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue—an LFT may be prescribed.
Although elevated ALT levels are always concerning, they may not indicate a major issue.
A high ALT level can be a sign of a mild to severe liver injury.
ALT/AST levels are typically assessed as a component of a test for liver function.
Because of its ability to reveal a great deal about the underlying condition, the AST/ALT ratio is significant.
Why Would There Be High AST and ALT Levels?
When the liver is damaged, it releases a number of chemicals.
Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) are two of these substances that are classified as enzymes.
Mildly elevated levels of ALT and AST can have a variety of causes.
Alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the most frequent causes.
Hepatitis B and C as well as a hereditary disorder known as hemochromatosis can also raise liver enzyme levels.
Liver enzyme levels can also be raised by using specific medications and over-the-counter supplements.
To try to determine why your liver enzymes are elevated, your doctor will examine you and ask you questions.
Concerning AST and ALT Levels
A person’s degree of liver damage may be indicated by elevated AST and ALT levels.
The best doctors to interpret elevated AST and ALT results are those who have evaluated patients with liver and muscle diseases, as their interpretation is based on the patient’s complete clinical evaluation.
In general, elevated liver enzyme levels indicate hepatic (or liver) damage or injury of some kind.
Under certain circumstances, the elevation may be slight, in line with a minor hepatic injury or inflammation.
Additionally, they may be significantly elevated—possibly up to 10 or 20 times normal—which would indicate more serious liver damage.
Alarming AST Levels
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels are measured by an AST blood test, which also aids in assessing liver function.
An overabundance of this enzyme may be a sign of a condition like liver damage.
The majority of people have low AST enzyme levels.
However, extra AST may be released into the bloodstream as a result of liver cell damage, raising the enzyme’s levels.
Doctors will categorize AST ranges as normal, high, or low following a blood test.
An AST blood test’s results can provide information about liver health.
Elevated AST levels can also indicate alcohol-related liver damage, cholestasis, liver cancer, heart, kidney, bone, or muscle damage, or liver scarring.