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Is Liver AST Count Of 41 Cause For Concern?
Hi, I recently had my blood panels done. My liver AST came back at 41, Cholesterol is 304! No diabetes or anything else. Heart disease and diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity run in my family. I've always been active and a healthy 125 lbs. In the last six years I started slowly putting on weight. A few years ago I started menopause. I am 53, 5'31/2" tall and in Jan 2011 I hit an all time high wgt of 150. In Jan 2011 I started with a trainer 3 times a week and cardio 5-6 times a week. In April my AST level came back 41. Since working out, I've lost 8lbs, increased my muscle mass and lost 4 lbs of body fat. Should I be concerned about my AST count, especially since the dr. wants to put me on stantons to lower my cholesteral. I do enjoy have cocktails social on weekends and a glass of wine in the evenings at the end of the day. I have stopped all alcohol intake, tylenol and even herbal supplements for my menopause...second opinion, please!!
Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Thank you for the query
As per the information provided, you are a 53 yrs old lady (post menopausal), with a BMI of 26.3 kg/m2 (overweight), and detected with hypercholesterolemia (304mg%). The AST is mildly deranged at 41. You have a family history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease and obesity (these may be part of the metabolic syndrome).
First and foremost, you do need to start on Statins (to reduce cholesterol). The reasons are, your cholesterol is way above the desired range (should be less than 200mg%) and only dietary modifications may not be enough to control it. Secondly, you have a family history of heart disease, hence, you need to take precautions. Your AST level is 41 (which is mildly deranged), but presently that should not be a deterrent not to take statins. Once you start on statins, you need to monitor your Liver function tests.
The slight derangement in AST can also be due to fatty liver disease (both alcohol and dyslipidemia are risk factors).
Dietary modifications include, restriction of refined carbohydrate, saturated fat and carbonated beverage. Avoid alcohol as much as possible. Continue with your exercise regimen.
Please do visit your treating doctor for the plan of management.
Hope this helps you
Regards
Dr. Ayusmati Thakur
As per the information provided, you are a 53 yrs old lady (post menopausal), with a BMI of 26.3 kg/m2 (overweight), and detected with hypercholesterolemia (304mg%). The AST is mildly deranged at 41. You have a family history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease and obesity (these may be part of the metabolic syndrome).
First and foremost, you do need to start on Statins (to reduce cholesterol). The reasons are, your cholesterol is way above the desired range (should be less than 200mg%) and only dietary modifications may not be enough to control it. Secondly, you have a family history of heart disease, hence, you need to take precautions. Your AST level is 41 (which is mildly deranged), but presently that should not be a deterrent not to take statins. Once you start on statins, you need to monitor your Liver function tests.
The slight derangement in AST can also be due to fatty liver disease (both alcohol and dyslipidemia are risk factors).
Dietary modifications include, restriction of refined carbohydrate, saturated fat and carbonated beverage. Avoid alcohol as much as possible. Continue with your exercise regimen.
Please do visit your treating doctor for the plan of management.
Hope this helps you
Regards
Dr. Ayusmati Thakur
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