What does it mean when your ALT is high?

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 are normal ALT levels?

A normal ALT test result can range from 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L). Levels are normally higher in men. Slightly high ALT levels may be caused by: Alcohol abuse.

What is a concerning ALT?

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.

Is HIGH ALT bad?

A high ALT level often means there is some liver damage, but it may not be related to hepatitis C. It is important to realize the ALT level goes up and down in most patients with hepatitis C. The ALT level does not tell you how much liver damage there is, and small changes are common.

Can ALT levels go down?

People can lower their ALT levels by making lifestyle changes, such as taking regular exercise and changing their diet. Increasing fiber intake, reducing saturated fats and processed foods, as well as consuming a range of nutrients from fruits and vegetables may all help to lower levels.

When should I worry about Alt?

When ALT levels are very high, it may be a sign of an acute liver problem. Mild or moderate elevation, especially if it persists on several tests over time, can be an indicator of a chronic disease. However, the degree of elevation alone is not a reliable predictor of the extent of injury to the liver.

What is a good ALT level in the blood?

The normal value for ALT in blood ranges from 29 to 33 units per liter (IU/L) for males and 19 to 25 IU/L for females, but this value can vary depending on the hospital. This range can be affected by certain factors, including gender and age. It’s important to discuss your specific results with your doctor.

What causes high ALT levels in blood?

High levels of ALT in the blood may indicate liver damage caused by hepatitis, lead poisoning, drug reactions, alcohol abuse, or mononucleosis. Medicines such as statins, antibiotics, aspirin, narcotics, and chemotherapy can also cause elevated ALT levels.

What does high ALT on a blood test mean?

An ALT test measures the amount of ALT in the blood. High levels of ALT in the blood can indicate a liver problem, even before you have signs of liver disease, such as jaundice, a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow. An ALT blood test may be helpful in early detection of liver disease.

What does Alt measure in blood?

An ALT measurement is a blood test that detects the amount of the enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in your blood. ALT is found mostly in liver cells. High levels of ALT in the blood may indicate liver damage.