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Got Health Check Up Done. LFT Was Not Good. Have Elevated AST And ALT. What Are The Consequences?
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The normal range can vary slightly from lab to lab but in general the normal range for AST is 5 to 40 u/l and ALT 7 to 56 u/l, normal range for GGT is 6 to 37 u/l.
AST and ALT are found in different parts of the body including the liver, they would be increased if there is any damage to the liver from any cause such as infection, alcohol, fatty liver disease (the build up of fat in the liver - this is actually worse with a high carbohydrate diet).
Gamma GT is used to assess the biliary tracts or passages in the liver where bile passes through, assess the function of the liver and to detect the use of alcohol.It would go up with excess alcohol use, any obstruction blocking the bild passages such as stones , side effect on some medication.
Even though the values are above the normal range , it is possible at the present value that your liver may still be able to function however it is important to identify the cause to prevent any further damage.
At the present value your liver will still be able to work.
Your doctor will determine what is the likely cause of the increases so that it can be treated or eliminated.
IF it is due to a side effect of medication- this can be cut out.
IF it is related to an infection such as hepatitis then this can be treated and the liver would be monitored to see how fast it recovers
If it is related to alcohol use , then it would be important to decrease intake.
If it is related to high intake of carbohydrates then this can be reduced by reducing the use of sodas/fruit drinks/ rice/pasta/pastry/potatoes/bread/biscuits and using increased amount of protein.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
The normal range can vary slightly from lab to lab but in general the normal range for AST is 5 to 40 u/l and ALT 7 to 56 u/l, normal range for GGT is 6 to 37 u/l.
AST and ALT are found in different parts of the body including the liver, they would be increased if there is any damage to the liver from any cause such as infection, alcohol, fatty liver disease (the build up of fat in the liver - this is actually worse with a high carbohydrate diet).
Gamma GT is used to assess the biliary tracts or passages in the liver where bile passes through, assess the function of the liver and to detect the use of alcohol.It would go up with excess alcohol use, any obstruction blocking the bild passages such as stones , side effect on some medication.
Even though the values are above the normal range , it is possible at the present value that your liver may still be able to function however it is important to identify the cause to prevent any further damage.
At the present value your liver will still be able to work.
Your doctor will determine what is the likely cause of the increases so that it can be treated or eliminated.
IF it is due to a side effect of medication- this can be cut out.
IF it is related to an infection such as hepatitis then this can be treated and the liver would be monitored to see how fast it recovers
If it is related to alcohol use , then it would be important to decrease intake.
If it is related to high intake of carbohydrates then this can be reduced by reducing the use of sodas/fruit drinks/ rice/pasta/pastry/potatoes/bread/biscuits and using increased amount of protein.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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