Alcohol, Zocor, and liver

I am a 45 year old male, currently on zocor 20mg, for the last 4 years.  I have been a moderatly heavy drinker. I usually consumed alcoholic beverages 5-6 days per week, sometimes just 2-3 glasses of wine with dinner, sometimes 8-10 beers on a Saturday afternoon and evening.  I started to cut back considerably three months ago to consuming just 2-3 days a week, but still that may be a friday night and saturday afternoon and night with 6-8 beers each.  My doctor has done liver tests in the past, but they were usually just ast and alt tests, and were within range. My cholesterol has dropped to within range, so the meds are working.  I just had a complete set of numbers done, and my ggt was 150.  My nurse practioner recommended reducing my alcohol intake further for six weeks and being retested.  She did not say cut it altogether. What kind of concerns should I have with the ggt number, and should I see a specialist at this point?

Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

An elevated GGT can be suggestive of liver disease.  However, since other diseases can raise the GGT (i.e. pancreatitis), you should look at the other liver enzymes (ALT, AST) which are more specific to the liver.  

Medications and alcohol certainly can raise the GGT.  Repeating the enzymes after cutting down on alcohol should be considered to ensure the enzymes aren't rising.

You can also consider a liver ultrasound as well as blood tests for hepatitis.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com