If there is a high (elevated) level of liver enzymes in your blood after a blood test you could have a medical condition. It is referred to as elevated liver enzymes, the condition may also be temporary. Your care provider can help you understand your results and what to do next.
What is an elevated liver enzyme?
The elevated liver enzyme is simply a high level of liver enzymes in your blood. Elevated liver enzymes may be temporary or may be a sign of a more serious medical condition like hepatitis or liver disease. The main cause of Elevated liver enzyme has not been discovered however it has been traced to being a side effect of some medication.
Liver enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body. Some of these chemical reactions include the production of bile and substances that help your blood clot, the breaking down of foods and toxins, and fighting infection. There are several liver enzymes in the body, some of the most common ones are:
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
- Alanine transaminase (ALT).
- Aspartate transaminase (AST).
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).
If your liver is injured it results in releasing enzymes into your bloodstreams mostly the alanine transaminase (ALT) and the aspartate transaminase (AST).
An elevated liver enzyme is one of the things you get tested for if you have any symptoms or conditions that can cause liver damage.
Continue reading to learn about the causes, ways to prevent, and treat elevated liver enzymes.