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What Causes Elevated AST And ALT Levels In A Person With Fatty Liver?

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Posted on Wed, 20 May 2015
Question: I have just received AST and ALP of 50 and 58 respectively. If a abstain from alcohol and exercise more can I expect the readings to return to normal? I am overweight and a 63 year old mail. First time I have ever had these readings. I eat a lot of salad and give blood frequently whic has caused my homoglobin readings to be low (13.5) also.

Thanks very much. XXXXXXX in XXXXXXX XXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The readings may get back to normal with proper diet and exercise

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

although I cannot tell for sure the cause of this elevation, I suppose it's fatty liver probably. Also I guess that you meant ALT (not ALP) because 58 is not high for ALP. Being overweight and drinking alcohol predisposes you to fatty liver. This is the most likely cause of your elevated transaminases.

Testing is needed to exclude other causes. I would suggest doing an ultrasound scan of the liver, hepatitis B and C testing and autoimmune hepatitis testing.

If the blood tests are negative and the ultrasound scan shows fat deposition on the liver then you've got the diagnosis with a high degree of certainty. Exercising, loosing weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best way to reverse this situation. Alcohol and bad dietary choices will make it worse.

I hope I've helped!
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3814 Questions

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What Causes Elevated AST And ALT Levels In A Person With Fatty Liver?

Brief Answer: The readings may get back to normal with proper diet and exercise Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX although I cannot tell for sure the cause of this elevation, I suppose it's fatty liver probably. Also I guess that you meant ALT (not ALP) because 58 is not high for ALP. Being overweight and drinking alcohol predisposes you to fatty liver. This is the most likely cause of your elevated transaminases. Testing is needed to exclude other causes. I would suggest doing an ultrasound scan of the liver, hepatitis B and C testing and autoimmune hepatitis testing. If the blood tests are negative and the ultrasound scan shows fat deposition on the liver then you've got the diagnosis with a high degree of certainty. Exercising, loosing weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best way to reverse this situation. Alcohol and bad dietary choices will make it worse. I hope I've helped! Kind Regards!