Table of Contents
Is it normal for ALT to fluctuate?
In healthy individuals, ALT levels can vary 10 to 30% from one day to the next. ALT levels can fluctuate 45% during a single day, with highest levels occurring in the afternoon and lowest levels at night. A high body mass index can increase ALT levels by 40 to 50%.
What would cause my ALT to spike?
ALT is most commonly increased in response to liver disease or liver damage, caused by alcohol, drugs, supplements, or toxins. Other causes of high ALT include obesity, anorexia, biliary disease, muscle damage and disease, heart attack, hypothyroidism, and infections and diseases that can impair liver function.
When should I worry about my ALT levels?
What ALT level is considered high? The upper limit of normal for ALT is 55 IU/L. When an ALT level is double to triple the upper limit of normal, it is considered mildly elevated. Severely elevated ALT levels found in liver disease are often 50 times the upper limit of normal.
Can slightly elevated ALT be normal?
Mild, asymptomatic elevations of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, defined as less than five times the upper limit of normal, are common in primary care.
Should I be concerned about high ALT levels?
High levels of ALT may indicate liver damage from hepatitis, infection, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or other liver diseases. Other factors, including medicines, can affect your results. Be sure to tell your health care provider about all the prescription and over-the counter medicines you are taking.
What does a liver count of 400 mean?
AST and ALT are specific to the liver, with levels greater than 400 units/L being indicative of hepatocellular disease. Levels above 1000 units/L raise suspicion for processes that cause necrosis of hepatocellular tissue such as ischemia, viral hepatitis, or drug toxicity.
Can you have elevated liver enzymes for no reason?
Elevated liver enzymes have a variety of causes, including liver disease and medication. Elevated liver enzymes may also be temporary. If your blood test shows high levels of liver enzymes, talk with your provider.