What does it mean to have an Alanine Aminotransferas. level of 44?

Question: I was told by the nurse today that my Alanine Aminotransferase level was 44. She told me that that was slightly elevated but she didn't know anything else about it. Is this bad? Does this mean that I have liver problems? What should I do, ie. have follow up tests, or just forget about it and go on with life?

Answers:
ALT is measured to see if the liver is damaged or diseased. Low levels of ALT are normally found in the blood. However, when the liver is damaged or diseased, it releases ALT into the bloodstream, which makes ALT levels go up. Most increases in ALT levels are caused by liver damage.

The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test is done to:

* Identify liver disease, especially cirrhosis and hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, or viruses.
* Help check for liver damage.
* Find out whether jaundice was caused by a blood disorder or liver disease.
* Keep track of the effects of cholesterol-lowering and other medications that can damage the liver.

Very high levels of ALT may be caused by:

* Recent or severe liver damage, such as viral hepatitis.
* Lead poisoning.
* Drug reactions.
* Exposure to carbon tetrachloride.
* Decay of a large tumor (necrosis).
* Shock.

Mildly or moderately high ALT levels may be caused by:

* Mononucleosis.
* Hepatitis. The ALT level in a person with hepatitis can be 20 times the normal value.
* Alcohol dependence. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol and take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) can have high ALT blood levels.
* Mildly elevated levels of ALT may occur in people who are growing quickly, especially young children.

Slightly high levels ALT levels may be caused by:

* Cirrhosis.
* Liver cancer.
* A heart attack.
* Thyroid disease.
* Polymyositis.
* Severe burns.
* Injury to the pancreas, kidneys, or muscles.
* Vigorous exercise.
* Many medicines, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, aspirin, narcotics, and barbiturates

You should talk to your doctor and have them keep an eye on it every few months, just to be on the safe side.

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