Elevated AST and ALT

I am 43 year-old healthy male who works out fairly regularly.  I

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) The elevations are moderate, and there should be further evaluation to look for the cause.  Abstaining from alcohol is recommended.

2) The ratio of the AST:ALT of 2:1 suggests alcohol as a cause.  Abstaining from alcohol and repeating the tests can be done to see if the levels normalize.

3) Retesting in 2-4 weeks can be considered.  There is no concrete time for followup.

4) It is possible that alcohol can lead to gastritis (causing stomach upset) as well as the liver symptoms.  

5) Testing for hepatitis as well as obtaining a liver ultrasound would be the next diagnostic steps.

6) The possibility of hepatitis can be considered.  The ultrasound can look for any masses or anatomical abnormalities that may lead to an enzyme elevation.  Problems with the gallbladder can be considered as well.

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

[msm0762]

I am a 43 year old male, height 6', weight 205. I am generally athletic and in good health. After a recent physical, I took some routine blood work, and everything was normal except for a mildly (according to my doctor) elevated AST level of 86. Everything else, including urinalysis, was normal and my cholesterol was 161. My triglycerides were 178, so he told me to lay off the fried foods. As for the AST level, he told me to not be too concerned about it, but that we should redo the blood work to check it again, and have me meet with the gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Since I'm used to good outcomes in my physicals, I was a bit alarmed. I want to know if recent drinking or diet could have caused this slight elevation in my AST level. I'm normally a social drinker at the most, (IE: just at restaurants, parties, barbecues). However, the last 2-3 weeks of the summer, I attended several parties, went out with friends, followed immediately by a weeks vacation where I drank at meals and at wineries. So, it was pretty much several weeks of drinking regularly and I went for the blood work the day after I returned from vacation. Could this have been the reason for the elevation in the AST level? In your opinion, is this the likely cause? Could diet also affect AST level? I've been very concerned since hearing this, so your response would be appreciated. Thanks for your help.

[Jackshack]

A related discussion, Elevated AST was started.