What Causes Raises Gamma GT Level?

Posted on Tue, 4 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 4 Feb 2014 Answered on

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I was put on Ramipril (initially 5mg per day then 10mg) to treat raised blood pressure which was identified in a Private Pilots medical exam last August. A blood test after 6 weeks identified my Gamma GT level as 320 and slightly raised Bilirubin. My doctor thought this was due to excessive alcohol consumption, although I pointed out I didn't drink much alcohol I don't think she believed me. My Gamma GT level is now 130 all other levels normal. I have drunk no alcohol recently (last month). I would like to know if the raised GT could be due to alcohol or some other factor e.g. side effect of Ramipril ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Alcohol caused high gamma GT... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have read your medical history and understood your concerns. The high gama GT is related to alcohol consumption. This is supported by the fact that the levels of gama GT were reduced once you stopped drinking alcohol. It is true that Ramipril in very rare cases might be related to liver damages. However, at your case, the liver damages is related to drinking alcohol because during this time you were also taking Ramipril but Gama GT were back to normal still. I suggest to continue non drinking alcohol, and conducting a healthy lifestyle and diet regimen as it will help reduce high blood pressure too. You can repeat the tests again after 6-8 weeks. All the best! Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T