Routine blood tests are increasingly identifying abnormal liver enzymes in those who otherwise seem to be in perfect health. According to experts, while the presence of slightly increased liver enzymes does not always indicate a diagnosis of significant liver disease, there is enough data to raise an alarm. For help in early identification and preventing consequences from long-term exposure, it is important to know the role of enzymes and when intervention from your doctor is necessary.
When liver cells are damaged, irritated, or under stress, substances called liver enzymes enter the circulation. Aspartate aminotransferase, or AST, and alanine aminotransferase, or ALT, are the two most often tested liver enzymes. “Although both ALT and AST enzyme levels contribute to information on the health of the liver, they are insufficient to pinpoint the precise cause of a liver disease or the extent of liver damage,” Dr Mangesh Borkar, consultant, medical gastroenterologist, Manipal Hospital, told Times Now.
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According to Dr Borkar, one of the main causes of elevated enzyme levels is fatty liver disease. Those who do not have diabetes or high body weight develop this condition. Also, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD, is rising due to several bad eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and weight accumulation around the waist.
“Elevated AST and GGT levels can also be caused by alcohol use, which can be the cause of the rise without any symptoms. Before any symptoms appear, regular alcohol consumption may be associated with elevated AST and GGT levels,” said Dr Borkar. Many times, people are unaware of how drugs impact the levels of liver enzymes. Among the medications that are most misused are:
- Analgesics
- Antibiotics
- Cholesterol medications or statins
- Many herbal or over-the-counter supplements
Elevated liver enzymes are a common indicator of viral infections. Usually, contaminated food or water is the source of hepatitis A, and E. Hepatitis C occurs primarily by blood-to-blood contact, whereas Hepatitis B is acquired through sexual intercourse or blood-to-blood contact. “Patients should think about these viral infections if their alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels are high for no obvious cause and/or if they have more rash, jaundice, or appetite loss,” he said.
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Symptoms of elevated liver enzymes
According to experts, significantly elevated liver enzyme levels, which are nearly five times higher than normal, rapid increases in levels, or abnormal levels, are combined with other symptoms like:
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent nausea
- Recurrent body swelling
- Significantly elevated bilirubin levels or prolonged clotting times
How to treat?
“The main objective of treatment is to address the underlying cause of abnormal liver enzymes; most individuals with elevated liver enzymes can achieve normal enzyme levels by making lifestyle modifications, also known as lifestyle adjustments,” said Dr Borkar. You can try to lose weight, improve your diet, exercise, and stop consuming alcohol. Many of the reasons for increased liver enzymes can be reversed if intervention takes place before scarring develops. Early management can prevent additional damage, which includes progression to more severe liver scarring, liver failure, or cirrhosis.
Specialized treatments, such as endoscopic procedures, radiological therapy, or surgery, can be necessary to control problems and maintain liver function in individuals with increasing liver disease or structural abnormalities.
