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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
GGT Level
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
GGT Level
by MrMike, Jan 31, 2003 12:00AM
My GGT level was very high (first reading "284") one week later (259). All my other enzymes were fine. I'm 50yr old, and in great shape. I've worked out all my life. I'm the same weight now as I was in high school (5'6" 160lbs). I may have one glass of wine every other day, and take one asprin a day. The only medical condition I have is high cholesterol. It's been as high as 365 and as low of 225. I do not take medication for it, just the one asprin. I watch what I eat and feel fine. How concerned should I be about my high GGT?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 03, 2003 12:00AM
, Feb 03, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
Elevated GGT levels indicate that something is going on with your liver but not specifically what. In general, the higher the level the greater the “insult” to your liver. Elevated levels may be due to liver disease, but they may also be due to congestive heart failure, alcohol, and use of many prescription and non-prescription drugs including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lipid-lowering drugs, antibiotics, histamine blockers (used to treat excess stomach acid production), antifungal agents, seizure control medications, antidepressants, and hormones such as testosterone. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and clofibrate can decrease GGT levels.
Even small amounts of alcohol within 24 hours of your GGT test may cause a temporary increase in the GGT. If this occurs, your doctor may want to repeat the test to verify that it is normal.
GGT levels fall after meals, so it is best to be tested when you have not eaten for at least 8 hours.
Smoking can also increase GGT.
Levels of GGT increase with age in women, but not in men, and are always somewhat higher in men than in women.
GGT is about twice as high in persons of African ancestry as in those of European ancestry.
GGT is very sensitive and can be increased when you don’t have symptoms. This elevation may be temporary, perhaps due to medications you are taking or alcohol ingested within 24 hours of the test. If other liver enzymes are normal, your doctor may just wait and then repeat the GGT test. If the GGT is very high and/or your other liver enzymes are elevated, your doctor may want to do more extensive testing to search for the cause.
I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your primary care physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Elevated GGT levels indicate that something is going on with your liver but not specifically what. In general, the higher the level the greater the “insult” to your liver. Elevated levels may be due to liver disease, but they may also be due to congestive heart failure, alcohol, and use of many prescription and non-prescription drugs including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lipid-lowering drugs, antibiotics, histamine blockers (used to treat excess stomach acid production), antifungal agents, seizure control medications, antidepressants, and hormones such as testosterone. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and clofibrate can decrease GGT levels.
Even small amounts of alcohol within 24 hours of your GGT test may cause a temporary increase in the GGT. If this occurs, your doctor may want to repeat the test to verify that it is normal.
GGT levels fall after meals, so it is best to be tested when you have not eaten for at least 8 hours.
Smoking can also increase GGT.
Levels of GGT increase with age in women, but not in men, and are always somewhat higher in men than in women.
GGT is about twice as high in persons of African ancestry as in those of European ancestry.
GGT is very sensitive and can be increased when you don’t have symptoms. This elevation may be temporary, perhaps due to medications you are taking or alcohol ingested within 24 hours of the test. If other liver enzymes are normal, your doctor may just wait and then repeat the GGT test. If the GGT is very high and/or your other liver enzymes are elevated, your doctor may want to do more extensive testing to search for the cause.
I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your primary care physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
GGT is a very sensitive test (the wine you mentioned could be responsible for the GGT being elevated.)