Elevated ALT levels...

I know that this is a subject that has been posted several times, but appreciate any input. I am a 27 year old athletic male. I had some blood tests done because I was having some heart palpitations. The results came back that out of the 5 liver enzymes tested, my ALT levels were elevated to 127. I don't drink, and I'm not on any medication. I'm going to get blood tests done but I'm very concerned about this. I have never done any drugs, and I've maintained a healthy lifestyle. How concerned should I be about this? The only other elevated part of my bloodwork was my good cholesterol levels. My bad chol. levels were normal. If the blood work comes back to be positive Hepatitis, what do I do next?  Does all this depend on what type of Hepatitis it is? I have lots of questions, but not many answers. Any help is greatly appreciated.....

[Revenire]

Did you get tested for Hepatitis? If you did and you're positive then the next step is a liver biopsy and then, based on the results, you will be facing 24 to 48 weeks of treatment, depending on your genotype.

[Soupbone]

I have my Hep. test tommorrow, and will know the results in a few days. Are all genotypes cureable or just treatable? How concerned should I be about the elevated ALT levels? What else cold it be other than Hepatitis? Thanks again

[layla]

It could be another type of infection all together. I believe many things could cause this but you should get your test back before worrying to much. I know easier said than done. Each type of hep is different. There are even many types of hep C so before you delve into all this I would get your results. I do know HCV is a very slow acting disease. I've had it 28 years and felt fine except for a few little things I wouldn't even have known about if my physical didn't just pick up the HCV. Once you have your results you'll be able to get a lot if info here. All genotypes are curable though the cure rates differ form approx. 50% (g1 and G4) to 85% (G2 and G3). If your positive a biopsy would be the next step to check for liver damage. After 28 years I had almost none but the progression rate varies quit a bit from person to person. If you need/decide to treat it's normally 24 weeks for genotype 2 and 3 then 48/52 for 1's and 4's. Sure hope your in the clear. LL

[Soupbone]

Thanks layla for the answers. My ALT level was 127 when he tested. The doctor didnt seem too concerned but said I have to get more blood tests then advised me of what it could indicate. I read that the norml level is between 7-53, so 127 didnt sound that high to me. Is it that high? Like I said too....my Doc didnt seem concerned that it would be Hep. but being the worry wort that I am, I'm kinda freaking out about it. Thanks again for the info.

[AK - Hepper]

Alt is found in the liver primarily, but is also found in the heart and other tissues. this is most likely related to your heart issues, not hepatitis; however I'm no doctor.

[layla]

I really don't think 127 is that high but I'm not to sure about that. Soemone will probably pipe in who knows but I think mine was 106 and that wasn't considered to high. We all know what you mean about worrying. You really can't help it. Hopefully your fine and then you'll be one more educated person about HCV. There aren't too many so it'll be a plus for all of us who do have it. If you want to know more you can read back on the post and really get a lot of info here. I didn't know squat when I was dx. I've learned a lot though and it's not the end of the earth as I though, not even close for most. LL

[AmIDoneYet]

I can relate to what you are going through.  Though I had a history of drug use.  18 years ago, I flunked a routine physical.  I was 24 years old and athletic.  The doctor told me my liver enzymes were elevated and I'd probably start getting sick.  I never got sick and kept going back to the doctor for more blood tests.  They didn't have a Hep C blood test then so he diagnosed me as "non A/non B" and told me to stop drinking alcohol and doing drugs and he said to come back every year for blood work.  My liver enzymes eventually went back to normal and so I just decided the blood tests had been wrong.  Four years ago I gave blood and received a letter saying I had Hep C.  I went for a biopsy where my scarring score was 0 and inflamation (inflammation) was 1.  Meaning I had no damage.  Last year I decided to do the treatment.  So far I'm SVR.

Good luck, I hope your elevated liver enzymes are just an error in the lab work.

[Soupbone]

Thanks all for the comments and help...If my results all turn out to be negative layla, then I truly will be one of the most non-hepatitis people on the face of the earth. I have been reading all day since I was told about my elevated ALT levels. If it turns out I do have it, I know I have many helpful people to turn to here. I just wonder if 127 is truly that high or if maybe my doc was exagerating a little. Either way I'm gonna worry until I get the results back which wont be until monday. Thanks again....

[Soupbone]

What I meant in my last post was I would be the most knowledgeable non-hepatitis person on earth. I just re-read my post and it looked off. I meant no disrespect. I have no idea why it came out that way. I have been freaking out all day about the elevated ALT levels, and I guess I didnt proofread my post. I go in tommorrow, or by the time it is now< i actually go in this morning for my blood tests. I should know soon...I really didnt think that 127 was that high, but i will definately see in a few days....Thanks Again... :)

[tikerberi]

Last May I went to the ER and was told my ALT was 999, and I was in liver failure.  They put me into the ICU on monitors immediately, and started giving me heavy doses of potassium, bi vitamins, and more.  After the step-down unit, and a couple of days on a regular ward, they let me out when my ALT had come down around mid 500.  My AST was also very high, but not as high as my ALT.  By July, my ALT had dropped to high 400's, but each time I'm tested it hasn't come down very much.  My AST is much closer to normal. So, I guess it's relative.  127 may be high for you, but it would be pretty low for me.

My doctor explained the basic difference between ALT and AST this way.  Whenever the AST is high, it is related to alcohol. Alcohol makes the AST go up. It's a certainty.  But, if the ALT is high, it's anybody's guess, difficult to say without additional tests--other than it's not due to alcohol.

[Soupbone]

Thanks for the replies all...I went in for my Hep. B and C test this morning. I thought my ALT level was 127, but it is actually 102. I dont know how much big of a difference that makes, but I must have heard the doc wrong when he told it to me. He doesnt seem to concerned about the ALT levels, and says that it is required by the CDC to test everyone who has elevated liver enzyme levels. He says more likely than not I probably don't have Hepatitis but we wont know for sure until we get the blood work back. I guess I just wait and see, but now 102 seems like it wasn't that high, but I've looked all over the net, but haven't found a chart showing ALT levels. Thanks again for all the help and support...

[DreamAngel]

Good Morning..Just thought I would let you know what normal levels are, off of my Lab Work.
ALT: 7 - 56
AST: 5 - 35
I am sure they differ by Labs, but just thought this might help you out some. Hang in there..Best Wishes

[Soupbone]

I was just curious also, and I knows it's a bit off topic. If my tests come back negative, then where do I go from there? What other things besides fatty liver tissue could it be? I've been reading a lot, but don't find much else it could be besides Hepatitis B or C. Thanks again....

[Gotro]

I gave blood on Dec 26 and just got a letter from them yesterday, UBC stating that my ALT level was at 308.  And everything I have been reading normal is in between 10-50.  How concerned should I be?  I am 31 do not take drug except occasional Loratab for migraines.

[worried mama]

I hope someone out there can help me. My 17 old son has a ALT level of 93.His AST is 41. He also has high blood pressure ( with a low pulse)over weight,migraines and at times has high level of protein in urine.. My doctor thinks the elevated level is dued to a"fatty" liver and has not looked into other reasons that may be causing this.I don't understand this.He keeps saying he needs to lose weight.I agree, but should there be other tests? I come from a family with a history of heart and diabetis.I am at my wits end. I will be meeting with the doctor tomorrow to ask lots of questions.Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[harley dude]

this post was written more than 2 months ago, posts way down here are usaually forgotten about, scrool back up to the current post, and politely say I need to break in and ask a question please on any of the current posts and we will be glad to answer your questions - see ya - Harley dude