Very High Liver Enzymes

[Central_Lakes]

Hello,

I just did a routine blood test for a life insurance policy and was denied due to high liver enzymes.  My results were as follows....

My ALT is 227

My AST is 131

My GGT is 239

I have became very worried about this as I am not sure how serious this could be.  I drink alcohol on a daily basis at business functions with heavy drinking at times with friends and family.  Would this most likely be my problem and if I cut back dramatically could that help.  Or...am I possibly looking at something much more scary.  The test showed negative for hepatits and all others were normal.  Thank you so much for your help!!!

[mikesimon]

I apologize for not reading thoroughly your first post in which you wrote "The test showed negative for hepatitis and all others were normal."
Given that I would lean more towards the suspicion that alcohol is the primary cause. I'm sure you know that alcohol can seriously damage the liver.
I assume that you will discuss this with your doctor which is really the person to start with.
Again, I wish you all the best.
Mike

[mikesimon]

I think that alcohol, if not the primary cause, does seem to contribute to your elevated  enzymes. I get the impression that you haven't been tested for viral hepatitis. If you haven't been I cannot understand why that is. That is usually one of the early tests performed when liver enzymes are elevated. Excessive alcohol consumption has been proven to accelerate the liver damage from hep c and therefore alcohol could be a contributing factor in a patient with hep c. I think you should at least ask about tests for viral hepatitis and I would insist on them.
You say that you were alcohol free for 4 days prior to the test if I understand you right. While your enzyme decreases are not dramatic they are significant and appear to support the idea that alcohol should probably be avoided at least until you know what your problem is. 4 days absolute abstinence is not very long and perhaps if you were abstinent for a month or so you'd see a much more significant improvement in your numbers. But, I would not wait to have a hepatitis panel test. Perhaps I missed something and you were tested but if not I consider that flat out poor care. It is elemental to a diagnosis so push hard to get the tests.
So, my advice is continue your abstinence and make sure a hepatitis panel has been performed or will be performed very soon. And demand a copy of all lab results. It's your right to have them.
Good luck,
Mike

[Central_Lakes]

Mike,

Just got my results from my Doctor which were running the blood work again.  My GGT went from 239 to 168.  My ALT went from 227 to 183.  My AST went from 131 to 104.  I did not drink the 4 days before that which was the first time in a while.  Is this a sign in the 2 week period where by not drinking and them falling that it is likely from the alcohol??  My doctor is going to get back to me.  Thanks for your help.

[Central_Lakes]

Mike,

Thank you so much for your response.  I really appreciate the advice.  I have an appt in 2 days to see my doctor to take another test.  I have not drank alcohol to see if that lowers the enzymes.  I wonder if it was a combination of drinking, poor diet and taking a medication at the same time.  At any rate, I look forward to finding out what it is. Thanks again.  I was glad that you have seen higher that turn out fine.

[mikesimon]

I think you should schedule an appointment with a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist.
If you can stop drinking you may see your enzymes decrease by the time of your appointment.
There are many possible causes of elevated liver enzymes and drinking alcohol is one of them. Side effects of medicines, obesity, metabolic liver disease, hepatitis a, b or c, autoimmune disorders and gallstones can also increase liver enzymes. And there are more possibilities that these.
I want to impress on you that I have heard about and seen a lot of people with much higher enzymes who did very well. I don't think your enzymes are any reason for panic. But, they do demand attention and I always like to do this stuff sooner than later so I would get on the phone with your doctor soon - like today. You want to determine what is causing your elevation. I think that stopping drinking would be of benefit to you regardless of your underlying disease and especially beneficial if you do have a liver disorder.
I wish you a rapid and easy resolution.
Mike