Why would AST and ALT be slightly elevated?

Why would AST and ALT be slightly elevated?

1. Common causes of mild elevation of ALT and AST in an asymptomatic person. Chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis C may cause mildly elevated AST and ALT. In chronic viral hepatitis, the elevation of liver enzyme may not correlate well with the degree of liver damage.

What can cause liver levels to be slightly elevated?

More common causes of elevated liver enzymes include:

• Over-the-counter pain medications, particularly acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Certain prescription medications, including statin drugs used to control cholesterol.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Heart failure.
• Hepatitis A.
• Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Can elevated liver enzymes be nothing?

If elevated abnormal liver enzymes are present, it could indicate liver damage, as these enzymes are normally only found within the liver. In most cases, liver enzyme levels are only mildly or temporarily elevated and don’t signal a serious liver problem.

What is the most common reason for elevated liver enzymes?

The most common cause of elevated liver enzymes is fatty liver disease. Research suggests that 25–51\% of people with elevated liver enzymes have this condition. Other health conditions that typically cause elevated liver enzymes include: metabolic syndrome.

Can high AST and ALT levels be reversed?

People can lower their ALT levels by making lifestyle changes, such as taking regular exercise and changing their diet. Increasing fiber intake, reducing saturated fats and processed foods, as well as consuming a range of nutrients from fruits and vegetables may all help to lower levels.

Should I be worried about mildly elevated liver enzymes?

Elevated liver enzymes might be discovered during routine blood testing. In most cases, liver enzyme levels are only mildly and temporarily elevated. Most of the time, elevated liver enzymes don’t signal a chronic, serious liver problem.

Do AST and ALT levels fluctuate?

At age 60, AST and ALT activities become roughly equal. AST levels are about 15\% higher in Africans than Caucasian men. Obese men may have mildly elevated AST levels. AST levels can fluctuate between 5 and 10\% from one day to the next in the same individual.

What is the most common cause of elevated liver enzymes?

What causes elevated ALT?

Other causes of moderate increases in ALT include obstruction of bile ducts, cirrhosis (usually the result of chronic hepatitis or bile duct obstruction), heart damage, alcohol abuse, and with tumors in the liver. ALT is often performed together with a test for AST or as part of a liver panel.

What could be causing elevated levels of AST and ALT levels?

The most common diseases causing abnormally elevated ALT and AST are acute viral hepatitis, such as hemochromatosis (a genetic condition causing long standing liver damage due to iron build up in the liver), and diminished blood flow to the liver (from shock or heart failure).

What is considered slightly elevated AST and Alt?

Normal levels of ALT ranges from about 7-56 units/liter, and 10-40units/liters for AST. Elevated levels of AST and ALT may signify the level of liver damage in a person. Common causes of elevated ALT and AST are viral liver infections, alcohol abuse, cirrhosis (from any chronic causes), hemochromatosis (iron overload), shock, and/or heart failure.

How do you reduce elevated ALT and AST levels?

Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Pack more vegetables and fruits into your diet and limit red meats. Exercise more. By exercising more often you are burning off excess fat and cleaning out your system in another way. Fatty livers often cause elevated ALT/AST levels. Getting into shape really helps.