Liver GGT

I recently got rejected for life insurance due to high GGT of 212 and ALT of 81. My AST was within normal range. I am 37 years old and 10lbs overweight - most of it in my belly. I am a social drinker and binge drink about 3 times a year.  11 days prior to my blood test I got very intoxicated mixing hard alcohol and beer.  In addition, the day of my blood work I was getting over a bad cold.  Based on the above, can this be the result of my high GGT and ALT levels? How long does GGT stay in your body? I stopped drinking!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Alcohol can certainly be an explanation for the elevated GGT and ALT levels.  Other causes can include intrinsic liver disease like viral hepatitis or fatty liver.

I would abstain from alcohol and repeat the liver tests, as well as obtain an abdominal ultrasound to image the liver and gallbladder.  

Blood tests to exclude viral hepatitis should also be done as well.  

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

[Johnny1971]

Thank you for your answer.  A test for hepatitis C and B came back negative on the same insurance blood work. I am going to abstain from alcohol, loose 10lbs and get tested again in February 2009.  I hope that this will also bring my cholesterol back to normal range from 235 to within 120-220.  Thanks again.