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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Be Concerned About Elevated AST And ALT Levels Given My Age, Controlled Hypertension, And Moderate Alcohol Consumption?

My AST recently was 51 U/L and my ALT was 49 U/L. I am an 82 year old male with controlled Hi BP and otherwise in good health. I occasionally consumes a glass of wine or a touch of Single malt each evening and nothing more. I have no history of hepatitis. Should I be concerned?
Fri, 3 Jan 2025
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Raised AST as compared to ALT may be indicative of heart disease. If the heart is under stress or there's damage to heart tissue, AST can increase. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common cause of elevated AST and ALT in older adults, it may be related to obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. Chronic alcohol consumption AST is often more elevated than ALT in alcohol-related liver issues.

Hepatitis and gall bladder disease or obstruction can lead to elevated liver enzymes. Side effects of certain medications prescribed like statins, antibiotics, and blood pressure can also cause raised live enzymes. In an elderly person, it's important to evaluate the context of the elevated liver enzymes. Consult a GP / health care provider for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Get imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan) done to assess the liver and gallbladder. Get lipid profile and cardiac function tests and imaging tests done to assess the heart. Stay away from oily, fried food. Take boiled food with a dash of olive oil for a couple of months. Take boiled water after cooling it. Do regular walking and maintain healthy weight.

Do not take refined flour, full fat dairy products, red meat. Take lean meat, well-cooked whole grains, boiled vegetables, fruits, berries. After strict diet control, walking and maintaining healthy lifestyle get repeat liver function tests (e.g., alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin), testing for hepatitis viruses or autoimmune liver disease done.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician
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Should I Be Concerned About Elevated AST And ALT Levels Given My Age, Controlled Hypertension, And Moderate Alcohol Consumption?

Hello, Raised AST as compared to ALT may be indicative of heart disease. If the heart is under stress or there s damage to heart tissue, AST can increase. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common cause of elevated AST and ALT in older adults, it may be related to obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. Chronic alcohol consumption AST is often more elevated than ALT in alcohol-related liver issues. Hepatitis and gall bladder disease or obstruction can lead to elevated liver enzymes. Side effects of certain medications prescribed like statins, antibiotics, and blood pressure can also cause raised live enzymes. In an elderly person, it s important to evaluate the context of the elevated liver enzymes. Consult a GP / health care provider for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment options. Get imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan) done to assess the liver and gallbladder. Get lipid profile and cardiac function tests and imaging tests done to assess the heart. Stay away from oily, fried food. Take boiled food with a dash of olive oil for a couple of months. Take boiled water after cooling it. Do regular walking and maintain healthy weight. Do not take refined flour, full fat dairy products, red meat. Take lean meat, well-cooked whole grains, boiled vegetables, fruits, berries. After strict diet control, walking and maintaining healthy lifestyle get repeat liver function tests (e.g., alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin), testing for hepatitis viruses or autoimmune liver disease done. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician