Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Should I Be Concerned About High AST And GGT Levels?

On a life insurance exam, I had AST of 53, ALT of 82 and GGT of 154. I do drink alcohol, but had a ultrasound in 2008 because of high enzymes. Everything was normal. I have been taking Milk Thistle for the past few months in order to get levels down. I have not re-tested. I also take 20 mgs of Lexapro a day.
Please give me your opinion of these numbers. Should I be alarmed? After the 2008 scare, it really makes me nervous to be tested. Probably wouldn't have if not for the life insurance exam. They did approve me on a standard rating.

Thanks so much
Fri, 12 Sep 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Yes alcohol consumption can cause these altered Alt/ Ast levels and more specifically GGT levels, if you had similar elevations in the past and was on Silymarin ( Milk thistle), and your present examination still shows elevated levels , yes you need to be completely examined and tested, you have to first abstain from alcohol, check your liver, get an ultrasound done , so that the baseline Liver status can be known , depending upon your test results you please consult your doctor so that further treatment plans can be discussed. Hope I could help you.
Thank you.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Alcohol abuse


Loading Online Doctors....
Should I Be Concerned About High AST And GGT Levels?

Hello, Yes alcohol consumption can cause these altered Alt/ Ast levels and more specifically GGT levels, if you had similar elevations in the past and was on Silymarin ( Milk thistle), and your present examination still shows elevated levels , yes you need to be completely examined and tested, you have to first abstain from alcohol, check your liver, get an ultrasound done , so that the baseline Liver status can be known , depending upon your test results you please consult your doctor so that further treatment plans can be discussed. Hope I could help you. Thank you.