Elevation in AST Level

[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 a bit. 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 a recent increase in drinking alcohol (or diet) could have caused this slight elevation in my AST level. I'm normally a social drinker at the most, (IE: restaurants, parties, barbecues, a beer after a softball game). However, in the 2 or so weeks prior to the blood work (8/30-9/18), I attended several Labor Day parties, went out with friends to a bar, followed immediately by a weeks vacation where I drank at meals, wineries, etc. So, it was pretty much 2 1/2 weeks of drinking regularly, and I went for the blood work the day after I returned from vacation on 9/19. Could this have been the reason for the elevation in the AST level? In your opinion, is this the likely cause? Can diet also affect AST level? I haven't drank since the vacation, so should I expect to see my AST level closer to normal in the next blood test, which I'll be taking soon? I've been very concerned since hearing this, so your response would be appreciated. Thanks for your help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Alcohol would be the most common reason for an elevated AST level.  Typically if alcohol is the cause, it can raise the AST:ALT ratio to approximately 2:1.  

Diet may affect the AST level, although this is atypical.  

Repeating the liver enzymes after several weeks of abstinence is a reasonable course of action.

You can also consider blood tests to evaluate the possibility of hepatitis as well as a liver ultrasound to evaluate the liver anatomy.

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