Asthma is normal in women. Why is AST elevated in a blood test? An increase in the level of the catalyst may be associated with certain pathological processes.

The appointment of treatment for a particular disease is preceded by its diagnosis. In some cases, it is not necessary to conduct a complete examination of the patient, it is enough just to pass a series of tests. The list of such often includes a biochemical blood test. Indicators of AST and ALT in blood biochemistry are key in assessing the patient's condition.

What is AST and ALT in a blood test

AST - aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme that ensures the exchange of a special amino acid (aspartate) between biological molecules. The AST enzyme is most active in the human heart, kidneys, liver and muscles.

ALT and AST levels can be detected using a biochemical blood test.

ALT - alanine aminotransferase - is an enzyme that helps move the amino acid alanine from one molecule to another. The enzyme is most active, in addition to the above organs, in the human pancreas. ALT and AST in a blood test

Thus, AST and ALT are active participants in amino acid metabolism in the body. Enzymes “live” exclusively in the tissues of organs; they end up in the blood due to cell destruction during the development of a disease or injury.

It is possible to determine the content of these enzymes in the patient's blood using a biochemical analysis.

What are the benchmarks?

A standard unit is a measure of measuring the concentration of enzymes in the patient's blood. Calculating their exact number using mathematical methods is impossible even with the condition of working on advanced equipment. The verdict is based on the level of enzyme activity.

The normative indicator of AST and ALT in certain groups of the population is individual

Features during pregnancy and lactation

In the first two trimesters, the level of AST and ALT may decrease slightly - by 5-10%. This is due to the increased work of the liver. In the third, the indicators should be as close as possible to the norm. In the case of AST, its slight increase after childbirth is possible, which is caused by active muscle work during labor.

Factors affecting the reliability of the results

There is a group of factors that can affect the reliability of the results of biochemistry, as a result, ALT or AST values are outside the normal range. Among those:

intensive sports;
taking medications (sedatives, antibiotics, contraceptives, etc.);
passion for fatty or fried foods;
excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
transferred stress;
injury.

Before passing the analysis, the above factors should be excluded.

Symptoms and causes of deviations from the norm

Minor deviations from the established norms of ALT and AST practically do not manifest themselves in any way and indicate malfunctions in the functioning of the liver.

Among the most common reasons for an increase in the concentration of enzymes:

fatty hepatosis;
reaction to medication;
serious injury;
development of pancreatitis, mononucleosis;
extensive liver damage (as a result of addiction to alcohol, drugs);
metastases in the liver.

In the early stages of an increase in performance, the patient has general lethargy and fatigue. Appetite disappears - body weight decreases. Skin itching, insomnia, nervous breakdown appear.

An increase in the concentration of ALT and AST enzymes may indicate extensive liver damage.

Late symptoms are characterized by:

swelling of the limbs;

yellowness of the skin and eye proteins;

discoloration of urine and feces;

the development of ascites and the increase in signs of intoxication of the body.

Consequences of elevated AST and ALT levels

Even minimally increased activity of enzymes indicates the occurrence of a certain disease. If you do nothing and aggravate circumstances (take alcohol, eat improperly, etc.), you can provoke the development of:

All of these pathologies are quite serious. However, they can be successfully treated if diseases are detected in a timely manner.

State normalization

Medical therapy

In the case of an increase in the activity of enzymes in human blood, specialists resort to prescribing herbal medicines. The drugs have anti-inflammatory and choleretic effects.

With elevated levels of ALT and AST in a blood test, experts often prescribe milk thistle

Traditional medicines include:

Milk thistle, available as tablets, capsules, or oil.

The drug Heptral, which has a similar effect.

It's important to know! The dosage and duration of therapy with any drugs are determined by the doctor.

Diet and exercise

Another direction of treatment of the patient is the organization of proper nutrition and cleansing of the body. The patient's diet should contain as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Coffee should be replaced with herbal or green tea. Additionally, you need to consume vitamin C. You should eat often and in small portions.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to normalize the condition, in particular proper nutrition and regular physical activity.

The following are considered taboo:

fatty foods;

fried;

too salty;

smoked and pickled foods;

fast food;

alcohol;

sweet carbonated drinks.

Regular sports, contrast showers will have a good effect on the patient's body.

Folk remedies

As alternative methods of treatment, alternative methods can be used:

Burdock root decoction. Ground root in the amount of 2 tbsp. l. pour a glass of boiling water, leave in a water bath for 15 minutes. We remove the broth, cover and insist for 2 hours. We filter and take three times a day for 2 tbsp. l.
A decoction of calendula flowers. Dry flowers (2 tbsp.) Pour boiling water (400 ml), leave for 2 hours. We filter the broth and take 100 ml three times a day with meals.

It's important to know! Before using folk prescriptions for treatment, you should consult a doctor.

Liver treatment: enzyme test - video

Prevention of elevated AST and ALT levels

You can prevent an increase in AST and ALT by following these recommendations:

enrich your daily diet with vitamin D, which is found in milk, eggs, apples, sea fish, caviar, buckwheat, oatmeal;
exclude fried, too salty foods from your menu. This will help unload the liver;
give up bad habits: drinking alcohol, smoking;
avoid exposure to toxins that quickly enter the human body and have a detrimental effect on the liver;
do not self-medicate. Excessive use of antibiotics can be a consequence of liver dysfunction.

The norm of ALT and AST in the blood of women has clear boundaries.

These indicators are determined during a biochemical blood test to diagnose various diseases and mean different levels of enzymes in the blood plasma.

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The site provides background information. Adequate diagnosis and treatment of the disease is possible under the supervision of a conscientious physician. All drugs have contraindications. You need to consult a specialist, as well as a detailed study of the instructions! .

The norm of ALT and AST in women

In women, the indicators are considered good if the concentration of ALT does not exceed 31 U / l.
The norm of ALT in women in the blood is a value ranging from 20 to 40 units.
The norm of AST in women in the blood is 34-35 IU.

The presence of deviations of indicators to a smaller or larger side is evidence that changes are taking place in the body. If the indicators are increased by 2-5 times, then the increase is considered moderate. An increase of 6-10 times indicates an average increase in results.

If the indicators are 10 times or more higher than the norm, then this is a high increase. To find out the causes and correct the results, an individual consultation with a specialist is required with the appointment of additional examinations.

Meaning of terms: ALT, AST

These are types of enzymes from the group of transferases used in medical practice to detect the level of damage to internal organs.

Normally, a small part of these enzymes enters the blood. In the presence of pathologies, these enzymes are determined in the blood to a lesser or greater extent from the norm, which is determined by laboratory methods.

The level of ALT in the blood of a woman allows you to find out the presence and extent of liver damage. The level of AST allows you to assess, in addition to the state of the liver, the degree of damage to the heart muscle.

Causes of increased enzyme levels

Depending on the age of a woman, disturbances in the tissues of the body may occur. In the future, this leads to the presence of overestimated levels of enzymes.

Only a specialist can determine the cause of the increase, based on research.

Isolated increase in ALT

The main reason for the increase in ALT in women is liver disease: hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer. Causes at any age are diseases of the pancreas, heart disease, diseases of the skeletal muscles and muscles, hypothyroidism. An important role in the list of causes is occupied by body injuries, shock conditions and the presence of burns.

Isolated increase in AST

The most common reason for detecting an elevated level of AST is the presence of heart pathologies in a woman, which increase over the age of 40-50 years.

When a myocardial infarction occurs, AST usually rises tenfold. The increase in results is affected by the presence of such diseases as hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer, obstruction of the biliary tract, acute pancreatitis.

Reasons for Simultaneously Increased Enzyme Levels

The simultaneous determination of the level of AST and ALT in the blood of a woman is considered a more informative and reliable result, showing the level of damage to internal organs.

In medical practice, there is the de Ritis coefficient, which indicates the ratio of ALT / AST. Normally, this coefficient is 1.3. With heart disease, the coefficient is detected above the norm, and with liver pathology - below.

After an attack of myocardial infarction, there is a simultaneous increase in transferases, AST increases by about 10 times, and ALT by about 2 times.

In acute viral hepatitis, there is a simultaneous increase in both enzymes, but ALT is higher.

A simultaneous increase in these indicators can be in the absence of external signs - this indicates that hepatitis occurs externally without symptoms, but there are active internal processes of liver destruction.

Sometimes a slight increase in results can be in healthy women as a result of stress, physical overexertion and taking certain medications.

Analyzes for these indicators should be carried out in combination with other biochemical indicators to establish a more accurate diagnosis.

Signs that require mandatory testing:

The presence of weakness.
Feeling of prolonged loss of appetite.
Presence of nausea and vomiting.
Pain in the abdomen.
Yellow skin tone and eyes.
Darkening of the color of urine.
The presence of a light stool.
Feeling of itching.

Factors conducive to an increase in the level of transferases after 40 and 50 years:

Previous hepatitis or contact with a patient with any form of hepatitis;
Alcohol abuse;
Hereditary predisposition to diseases of the liver and heart;
Taking medications that can adversely affect the condition of the liver;
Presence of diabetes or other chronic diseases;
The presence of excess weight.

Video

Research as a criterion for diagnosing diseases

A biochemical blood test, including these indicators, is prescribed for suspected pathology:

Any diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Any pathology of the liver.
Renal failure.
various infections.
Any autoimmune disease.
Cholelithiasis.
Pancreatitis - chronic and acute.
Pathology of the endocrine system.
Skin diseases accompanied by itching.
Malignant tumors of any localization.
Body poisoning.
Encephalopathy of unknown origin.

If there is a factor - pregnancy, the analysis is carried out in order to prevent complications that occur during pregnancy and childbirth.

In case of adverse results, a pregnant woman is prescribed an additional series of examinations.

Treatment of diseases depending on the results of the analysis

The results of ALT and AST tests are necessary for treatment and health monitoring during and after the prescribed therapy.

These indicators are used in preparation for any type of surgical intervention in order to identify contraindications and possible complications.

They are determined when taking drugs that affect the internal organs - broad-spectrum antibiotics, hormonal drugs, chemotherapy drugs.

A significant increase in the level of enzymes in the blood of a woman requires a correction of treatment, which involves the replacement of these drugs with less toxic drugs.

Rules for passing the analysis

The analysis is carried out in any public clinic and private laboratory.

To get reliable results of tests for transferases, a woman follow the rules:

Do not eat 8-12 hours before the study.
Eliminate any physical activity and overexertion 30 minutes before the study.
Eliminate psychological stress 30 minutes before the study.
Stop smoking 30 minutes before the test.
Refrain from drinking alcohol and fried foods a day before the study.
Warn the specialist about the medications you are taking.

Folk remedies to normalize the level of enzymes in the blood

The transferase levels in each woman's body indicate the presence of her actual health. The norm is ALT - 32 units per liter, AST - from 20 to 40 units per liter, any deviation from the norm in one direction or another is considered a reason for additional examinations to identify diseases of the internal organs. For women during the period of bearing a child, there are values.

Most women, before embarking on rational traditional treatment, usually use folk remedies. That this is possible is supported by the attending physicians.

There are many recipes for reducing overestimated indicators, the most effective ones are given.

Milk thistle seed drink. Crushed seeds in the amount of 1 teaspoon pour 200 milliliters of boiling water. The vessel with the contents is tightly sealed and allowed to infuse for 20 minutes at room temperature. Then the infusion is filtered and taken orally 2 times a day, 1 glass half an hour before meals. It should be remembered that you can not drink the decoction in one gulp. Course treatment lasts 21 calendar days.
Herbal tea. To prepare it, you need St. John's wort, immortelle and celandine in a ratio of 2: 2: 1 (tablespoons). Grind the grass, transfer it to a vessel, it can be tightly sealed, pour a liter of boiling water and put in a dark place for 12 hours to infuse. After the time has elapsed, the infusion is boiled for 10 minutes, and then cooled at room temperature. The broth should be filtered and taken orally 100 milliliters after meals 4 times a day. Course treatment lasts 2 weeks.
Dandelion root extract. Pour 200 grams of crushed root with 100 milliliters of vodka and add 30 milliliters of glycerin. Seal the vessel with the contents tightly and place in a dark, cool place for 24 hours. Then strain the infusion and take 2 tablespoons before meals 3 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment should be discussed with the doctor.
Collect hair from ripe ears of corn. Dry them naturally and grind them. Prepare a drink from 1 teaspoon of chopped dry hairs and 200 milliliters of boiling water. It should be kept after pouring for 1/4 hour, then strain and take orally 1 glass 2 times a day. Course treatment can last up to six months.

The general opinion of those who took these funds

Before starting treatment with folk methods, many patients are interested in the reviews of those who have already tried these recipes on themselves.

These are the most effective folk recipes for reducing AST and ALT. And there are a lot of reviews about them, but putting them all together, we get the following picture:

After taking milk thistle, the indicators were significantly reduced by the second biochemical blood test;
Corn hairs have the necessary effect, but it is not possible to drastically reduce the performance;
An infusion of dandelion root is effective, but it should not be taken if you drive a vehicle, since alcohol is present in the composition;
Herbal tea helps to cope with the situation and after 2 weeks of daily intake you feel much better, it allows you to strengthen your immune system, but the main inconvenience is its 4-fold use, you have to take it with you in a thermos to work so as not to miss a dose.

Each patient's body is individual, and even with a million positive reviews, the treatment may not be suitable. For example, when taking milk thistle in the first 2 days, there may be sensations of pain in the liver area - this is the norm, if this feeling does not leave the person during subsequent treatment, then this fact indicates individual intolerance.

Therefore, starting any treatment, you should strictly monitor the reaction of your body, and if something is not clear, you should consult your doctor. Since the patient needs to get rid of the disease, and not aggravate the problem.

Possible consequences of elevated enzyme levels if left untreated

Sometimes, it seems to women that the disease can be treated later, because of one, 2 days nothing supernatural will happen, and there is absolutely no time to go to the doctor and prescribe drugs. If the indicators are not high, then one day will not play a role, but when the start of rehabilitation is postponed for a month or more, then there is nothing good to expect. While a person delays his visit to the doctor, the disease does not doze off, but conquers a new large territory.

And before you give up on elevated ALT and AST levels, you need to know well what this will lead to in the absence of treatment:

Cirrhosis of the liver;
Hepatitis;
myocardial infarction;
Stagnation of bile and intoxication;
Oncology of the liver;
Hepatosis.

Each of these diseases, in the absence of measures taken, can provoke a fatal outcome. In cases of determining its development in the early stages, you can get rid of it without dire consequences.

Prevention of the occurrence of an increase in women

Any disease is better to prevent than to engage in long-term treatment, and therefore there is the concept of preventive measures.

So that the indicators of transferases in the blood of women do not aspire to the heights, you should reconsider your entire algorithm of life.

Give up bad habits. Alcohol and smoking do not benefit anyone, and the female body is more prone to addiction.
Follow nutrition. Avoid fried, salty, spicy and smoked foods. Enrich your diet with raw vegetables and fruits. Get into the habit of having breakfast in the morning not with coffee sandwiches, but with porridge with tea or jelly.
Avoid unnecessary stress. In cases where, nevertheless, fate has presented an unpleasant surprise, then perhaps you should drink a course of sedatives than drive yourself into a trap.
Take as a basic rule - to be in the fresh air for at least 2 hours a day. If it doesn't work during the daytime, then it should be evening walks.
Make a daily routine and stick to it. Only the correct alternation of work and rest of the body will allow a woman to save it.
Have a permanent sexual partner. Promiscuity in intimate relationships can be a provocateur of the development of various diseases and an increase in transferase rates.
Periodically donate blood for analysis and monitor your AST and ALT levels (at least once every six months), especially after reaching the age of 35.

All these rules, if followed, will allow a woman to maintain her health, which means that the ALT and AST indicators will remain within acceptable values.

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Since recently, in almost all cities of the Russian Federation, medical examinations of the population have been carried out, which makes it possible to identify a number of diseases at an early stage and thereby reduce the risk of premature mortality.

The main indicators of liver function

Liver diseases are among the most frequent and dangerous due to the asymptomatic course. At the screening stage, along with other studies, the patient is assigned the main indicators of which are aimed at determining how the liver functions.

The norm of ALT and AST in the blood depends entirely on the work of the most important parenchymal organ - the liver, which performs such functions as:

Detoxification is the removal of toxic substances and poisons from the body.
Protein synthesis.
Production of biochemical substances necessary for the body.
Storage of glycogen - a polysaccharide, which is necessary for the full functioning of the body.
Regulation of biochemical reactions of synthesis and decay of most microparticles.

ALT and AST are enzymes that are produced mainly by the liver and are involved in all of its biochemical reactions.

The norm of ALT and AST inblood

The rate of ALT and AST in the blood depends on many factors, including gender and age. Due to the lack of a single standard, in almost every medical institution, the laboratory sets its own ALT and AST norms, for this reason, you need to contact the doctor in charge of you with all the tests, and not engage in independent decoding. The normal range is:

The norm of AST in the blood is from 5 to 40 IU / l.
The norm of ALT in the blood for women: from 7 to 35 IU / l.
The norm of ALT in the blood for men: from 10 to 40 IU / l.

The norm of ALT and AST inbloodand analysis main reasons for the increase

A slight increase in ALT and AST in the body is often asymptomatic, but indicates a malfunction in the liver.

The most likely cause of increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood are:

fatty hepatosis.
drug reaction.
Injury.
Increased ALT and AST as a result of diseases of other organs (pancreatitis, mononucleosis).
Diffuse liver damage, which may be caused by alcohol, drugs and/or exposure to a virus.
Metastases or neoplasms in the liver.

Early symptoms of elevated ALT and AST are:

Increased fatigue and weakness.
Decreased appetite and, as a result, weight loss.
Skin itching.
Insomnia, nervousness.

Late symptoms of elevated ALT and AST:

Edema of the extremities, ascites (presence of free pathological fluid in the abdomen).
Skin, proteins, mucous membranes acquire a yellow tint.
Change - "urine the color of dark beer", discoloration of feces.
Increasing symptoms of intoxication (weakness, nausea, hyperthermia, etc.).

Methods of additional diagnostics:

Ultrasound diagnostics of the abdominal organs, if necessary - the thyroid gland.
Blood test for markers of hepatitis B, C.
Clinical blood test.
Blood test for hormones and thyroid antibodies.
If necessary, liver biopsy.

Lowering AST and ALT

The rules, following which, a person can reduce the indicators of AST and ALT, such:

Eat as many fresh vegetables and fruits as possible, as well as brown rice - they contain fiber.
Drink green tea and herbal teas that include dandelion root, milk thistle, and burdock root.
You should include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet.
Observe the drinking regime at the rate of 30 ml of liquid per 1 kg of weight.
Do breathing exercises.
Take a contrast shower.

Many patients, after receiving the results of a biochemical blood test, find unfamiliar abbreviations ALT and AST in it, respectively, they have a question about what this means and what is their norm in the body. These abbreviations mean the name of special human enzymes - alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. The value of determining the level of enzymes is that in the presence of pathology, their concentration in the blood changes and allows diagnosing the disease. The norm of ALT and AST in the blood has different values for women and men, and also differs depending on the age of the patient.

Transferases are a separate class of enzymes that catalyze the process of transporting functional groups and molecular residues between molecules. Enzymes have metabolic activity in cells. An increase in concentration is noted when there is a violation in the structure of cells. ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is predominantly located in the liver cells, and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) in the muscles, including the myocardium.

Enzymes do not perform any special function in the blood to be present in it. But an increase in their concentration indicates the development of pathologies of specific organs. The release of enzymes and release into the blood contribute to traumatic muscle damage, damage to liver cells, heart attack. It is worth noting that the process of liver cell breakdown is a natural physiological process, which is the reason for the low presence of ALT and AST in the blood in both men and women.

If, according to the results of biochemical analysis, the enzymes have an increased value, then this is a sign of pathological disorders. Deciphering only these two enzymes does not allow an accurate and final diagnosis, and therefore requires additional examination. The concentration of ALT and AST has specific norm values; when deciphering, they are compared with each other and other indicators. The study of the level of enzymes plays an important role in diagnosing pathologies of the liver and heart.

The norm in women

The norms of AST and ALT have different values for indicators in adults and children, and also differ in men and women. When deciphering a biochemical blood test in women, the following values \u200b\u200bare taken as the standards for the ALT indicator:

at the age of up to 50 years - from 7.0 to 35 U / l;
after 50 years - up to 28 U / l;
in old age - from 5 to 24 U / l.

The norm of the AST indicator in women is the concentration of the enzyme in an amount of 20 to 40 U / l. A slight deviation from the norm can be determined in absolutely healthy people. The content of enzymes in the blood can be affected by: physical and emotional overstrain; therapy with certain medications; previous injuries and surgeries; alcohol intake. An increase in the level of ATL can occur in women during pregnancy, and a decrease occurs with a deficiency of vitamin B6.

In order for the results of the analysis to have maximum reliability, it is required to follow some recommendations before donating blood. Preparation for the analysis is simple and will not cause much effort on the part of the patient. To conduct a biochemical study, the following rules must be observed:

Blood must be donated on an empty stomach. After the last meal, at least 8 hours must pass.
It is required to exclude physical and emotional stress. Before going to the laboratory assistant, you need to rest for 10-15 minutes.
A few hours before the sampling of the material before the analysis, it is forbidden to smoke.
It is recommended to stop taking medications, if this is not possible, then it is necessary to warn the doctor.

The norms of the values of the indicators may vary slightly depending on the chosen laboratory and research methodology. The interpretation of the analysis must be carried out by a qualified specialist. Doctors have special knowledge that allows them to assess the level of deviation of indicators both individually and in combination with other values. A significant deviation can be a sign of serious pathologies and requires appropriate treatment.

Reasons for the rise in ALT and AST

In healthy people, alanine aminotransferase is inactive. In this regard, with a significant increase in the indicator (10 or more times) in the blood, doctors suspect hepatitis, in the acute form of the course of the disease. In the chronic form, there is an increase in the level of enzymes by about 4 times. Also, an increase in the concentration of ALT occurs with the following deviations:

the use of medications or other dangerous substances that have a toxic effect on the liver;
liver ischemia;
obstruction of the bile ducts;
cirrhosis provoked by blockage of the biliary tract or chronic hepatitis;
liver tumor;
excessive physical activity;
the use of dietary supplements;
regular meals in fast foods;
late toxicosis in pregnant women;
myocardial infarction.

The activity of AST, as well as ALT in a healthy body, is low. An increase of 10 times is most often caused by viral infections. Also, growth provocateurs can be drugs that have a toxic effect on the liver, liver ischemia. With hepatitis in a chronic form, an increase in the content of the enzyme by 4 times is noted. In addition, the reasons for the increase in AST in the blood may be: some forms of liver cancer; cirrhosis; myocardial infarction and liver; damage to the integrity of the muscles; taking dietary supplements; increased physical activity; hepatitis and other liver diseases; cirrhosis of the liver; liver metastases.

Enzyme levels during pregnancy

Biochemical analysis must be taken during pregnancy, including to determine the level of AST and ALT. The purpose of this study is to determine deviations in the work of organs. In pregnant women, the load on the liver increases significantly and enzyme levels may change. During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, the risk of exacerbation of liver pathologies and the development of new ones increases. Pregnant women rarely have complex forms of liver disease, but if they are present, the risk of complications for both the mother and the unborn child increases.

Simultaneously with the determination of the level of AST and ALT during pregnancy, biochemical studies include indicators such as gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphate and bilirubin. When deciphering the results of the analysis, a slight deviation in the indicators of liver tests is considered the norm in pregnant women and is not a pathology. The level of ALT in the first and second trimester decreases by 5-10%, and in the third usually returns to normal.

The concentration of AST in the first two trimesters also decreases by 5-10%, and in the later stages it most often corresponds to the norm. After the birth of a child, AST may increase due to a strong load on the muscles.

Determining the level of AST and ALT in the blood is an important diagnostic procedure for both men and women. Thanks to the study, it is possible to identify the disease at an early stage of development and begin treatment. Deciphering the results, the doctor conducts a comparative analysis of the indicators both individually and in combination with other values. It is important to know that the norms of AST and ALT differ in men and women, as well as in children, and therefore it is important to entrust the assessment of the results to an experienced specialist.

The enzyme ALT or alanine aminotransferase performs its purpose inside the cells. Peripheral blood contains a small amount of it. When cells are destroyed as a result of damage to any organ, ALT enters the blood, representing an important diagnostic indicator.

What is alanine aminotransferase needed for and where is it found

Alanine aminotransferase in the body plays an important role by participating in the metabolism of amino acids, in particular the essential amino acid alanine. He, in turn, plays a role in providing energy to the central nervous system, strengthening immunity, regulating metabolism and producing lymphocytes.

Where is ALT found?

Liver (most);
kidneys;
Lungs;
Pancreas;
Muscles;
Heart.

Analysis for ALT, rules for passing and norms

The ALT indicator is included in the biochemical blood test along with other transaminases. It is necessary to take the analysis on an empty stomach, in the morning. Eliminate alcohol for a week. It must be at least eight hours after dinner. All of these are important for obtaining reliable data. Taking certain drugs affects the ALT rate, which is why when taking oral contraceptives, aspirin, paracetamol, warfarin, be sure to inform your doctor about this.

A blood test is taken from a vein

Reasons for the increase in ALT

An increase in ALT in the blood occurs as a result of cell destruction. What diseases lead to this.

Hepatitis is an acute or chronic inflammatory process in the liver of an infectious or alimentary-toxic nature. Viral hepatitis develops when infected with hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E and F). Moreover, the disease can be asymptomatic for a long time. For example, viral hepatitis C in this regard is called the “gentle killer”, since for a long time, damaging the liver cells, it does not manifest itself in any way. Eventually, cirrhosis develops. Alimentary-toxic hepatitis develops under the influence of substances that destroy liver cells. Including, long-term alcohol consumption leads to it.

This is the effect of large doses of alcohol on the liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is the outcome of all liver damage, when the destroyed cells are replaced by connective tissue, and it can no longer perform its functions. All this leads to liver failure and severe complications.

It is worth noting that, in addition to ALT, acute hepatitis is accompanied by an increase in other transaminases (AST, GGTP), as well as an increase in the level of bilirubin.

Pancreatitis is damage to the pancreas with necrosis of its tissue. The causes of development are the abuse of fatty foods and alcohol or stones in the biliary tract. Patients with a chronic form of pancreatitis need to check this indicator throughout their lives to prevent exacerbation.

Myocardial infarction is the destruction of a part of the heart as a result of occlusion of the supplying artery. With the death of cardiomyocytes, ALT in the blood will also be increased. In addition, the level of AST also rises, and to a greater extent than ALT, since its content in the heart cells is much higher. Thus, the decoding of a biochemical analysis can show why ALT and AST are elevated.

The predominant increase in ALT over AST will be with liver damage, and if vice versa - the heart.

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart characterized by damage to the heart muscle. In this situation, the blood test is also characterized by an increased concentration of ALT and AST.

Burns, frostbite, multiple organ failure, extensive injuries - all these conditions are accompanied by a significant increase in ALT.

Also, oncological processes in the above-mentioned organs are the reasons when ALT is elevated.

When ALT is low

A low ALT content is possible with a deficiency of folic acid and some vitamins. In liver cirrhosis, a decrease in ALT is a poor prognostic sign, indicating the complete absence of surviving healthy cells.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, in the first trimester, a slight increase in ALT is possible. There is nothing terrible in this, it is physiological and connected with the pregnancy itself. If ALT increases significantly, and characteristic symptoms appear, it is urgent to consult a doctor for examination.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an increase in alanine transaminase in the blood are varied. The clinical picture is due to the affected organ and the disease that led to it.

From the side of the liver

A characteristic symptom of cirrhosis of the liver is the "head of a jellyfish", a combination of ascites and varicose veins of the abdominal wall.

With liver damage, pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, and vomiting are possible. Possible yellowness of the skin, icterus of the sclera. With viral etiology, there may be hyperthermia. With developed cirrhosis, rashes appear on the body like spider veins, an increase in the abdomen due to ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity).

Varicose veins (esophagus, stomach), which can be complicated by bleeding. Gradually, multiple organ failure develops.

From the side of the pancreas

Pancreatitis is manifested by severe pain in the abdomen, in the navel, its swelling, repeated vomiting, weakness, clouding of consciousness afterwards.

From the side of the heart

The main symptom of myocardial infarction is severe, burning pain behind the sternum, which can spread to the left arm, jaw, under the shoulder blade

A painless form of a heart attack is possible, or atypical, when the pain is localized in the abdomen, or severe shortness of breath develops. In addition to pain, there may be a violation of the heart rhythm, a drop in blood pressure. Disturbed by severe weakness, fear of death, chills.

In the presence of an oncological process in the affected organ, severe weight loss in a short period of time, weakness, and increased fatigue are possible.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease, the causes of the increase in ALT, is carried out by doctors using all available research methods. In many cases, on an emergency basis, as there are among them diseases that threaten life and lead to disability.

A correctly interpreted biochemical blood test can lead to the right diagnostic path. So, there is the concept of the de Retis index, which is the ratio of elevated AST and ALT. Its norm is 0.91-1.75.

If it exceeds two, then the reason is in the heart muscle. If less than one, then the liver is affected.

In the hospital, a complete examination is carried out, which also includes an MRI or CT scan, advanced blood and urine tests. Invasive methods are also used, such as puncture biopsy and angiography of the heart vessels. All this allows you to quickly make the correct diagnosis and start treatment.

Treatment

In order to lower the level of ALT, it is necessary to cure the disease that led to this, after which the ALT rate will return on its own.

An approximate set of products for patients with diseases of the liver and pancreas

Such severe diseases as pancreatic necrosis, extensive myocardial infarction, severe hepatitis complicated by multiple organ failure are treated in the intensive care unit.

The treatment of each disease is specific and it does not make sense to paint it. A couple of words can be advised to people taking drugs that affect the liver, as well as abusing alcohol. In such cases, it would be useful to periodically drink a course of hepatoprotectors (Carsil, Essentiale) and at least somehow protect liver cells from damage, thereby lowering ALT.

With many diseases, such as pancreatitis, hepatitis, it is very important to follow a diet. Reduce consumption or completely eliminate all fatty, spicy, smoked, salty and alcohol. To prevent exacerbations, a healthy lifestyle should be your goal in itself!