Elevated liver enzymes in reports, just social drinker. What could be the cause ?
Patient: Hello. I just went for my yearly physical and my MD told me I had elevated liver enzymes . My AST was 49 (N 10-35) and my ALT was 62 (N6-40). They have never been elevated before. I am only a social drinker, only 1-2 drinks per weekend and not every weekend and I have not been sick. The only symptom I have is a feeling of a sweaty rush a few times a day. My MD repeated my blood work and is also testing for hepatitis . Can you have elevated liver enzymes for no apparent reason or does it always mean some type of liver damage or muscle damage? Doctor: Hello!  Thank you for the query.  Your liver enzymes are slightly elevated. Such results can appear due to alcohol intake (does not have to be everyday), fatty foods, spicy foods, medicines (like painkillers), liver viral infection and many more. Such slight elevation usually does not indicate any serious pathology and with proper diet and avoiding alcohol it can come back to normal ranges. Hepatitis tests are a very good idea and if negative, just avoid alcohol, fatty foods and repeat this test in a month.  Hope this will help. Regards.