The blood contains great amount different substances and elements. Most often we hear about erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets. They talk about them even in anatomy lessons. In fact, the school course also mentions something about ALT and AST, as well as their rate in women. But, as a rule, this information safely passes deaf ears and is forgotten.
The rate of ALT and AST in the blood in women
These substances belong to the group of enzymes. AST - aspartate aminotransferase - a component of the blood that facilitates the movement of the amino acid aspartate from one biomolecule to another. ALT - alanine aminotransserase - is an enzyme that performs a similar function in transporting alanine. Both substances are produced intracellularly and enter the bloodstream in small quantities.
According to the norms, ALT in the blood of women should be no more than 30 - 32 units per liter. And the amount of AST in this case can vary from 20 to 40 units. If the indicators deviate from the normal value up or down, it means that changes are taking place in the body. And to make sure that they are not dangerous, it is advisable to seek the advice of a specialist.
What do deviations of AST and ALT from the norm in the biochemical blood test mean?
The amount of enzymes in the body can also change slightly healthy person... This can be influenced by:
- excessive physical exercise;
- long-term use of potent medications (antibiotics, barbiturates, narcotic drugs, sedatives, hormonal contraceptives);
- trauma;
- the operation transferred shortly before the examination.
Very often, ALT exceeds the norm in pregnant women. Such a phenomenon is not considered a deviation, and it does not signal an illness.
The main reason is the change in hormonal levels. Usually, the enzyme levels return to normal very quickly.
A deviation is considered critical if it differs tens or even hundreds of times from the normal value. The following factors contribute to the excess of the norm of ALT and AST:
In order for the tests to show a reliable picture, you must not eat heavy food, alcohol before passing them. If you are taking any medications, the doctor must be warned about this.
Before prescribing treatment for any disease, you must first conduct a complete examination of the body in order to deliver correct diagnosis... General and biochemical analysis blood, which includes tests for ALT and AST. Currently, medicine has such an indicator as the rate of ALT and AST in the blood. If it is increased, it means that the person is sick with a certain disease. But before looking for the reasons why the level of ALT and AST is elevated, or one indicator out of two, as well as looking for ways of treatment, you need to find out in more detail what it is.
Many cells of living organisms contain aminotransferases, which used to be called transaminases. They can be found in the simplest unicellular organisms, and in multicellular organisms. Each such aminotransferase has its own inherent functions that cells are able to carry (this also applies to amino acids, which each have their own). The following groups of aminotransferases exist:
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST, AsAT) is a specific enzyme capable of transferring the amino acids of aspartate from biomolecules.
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT, ALT) is an enzyme that carries the amino acid alanine of biomolecules.
The maximum activity of ALT and AST is observed in the human body in the kidneys, muscle tissue, heart and liver. The greatest activity of ALT can be noted in the pancreas. Important: since each group of aminotransferases is located in a specific organ, if it is damaged, it easily enters the blood stream. Thanks to this property of the enzyme ALAT and AST, it is possible to determine the presence of diseases that are latent in the body. If after taking blood in the biochemical analysis the ALT and AST values \u200b\u200bare increased, this means that the patient suffers from hepatitis, pancreatitis, myocardial infarction, or any injuries have occurred in the body.
What does an increase in performance mean?
Since the level of AST and ALAT in each internal organ is different, increased performance testify to his illness.
The main part of the ALT enzyme is found in the liver, heart muscle, kidneys and pancreas. With pathologies of these organs, AlAT enters the bloodstream, which causes a strong increase in this enzyme during the analysis.
Most of the AST enzyme is found in the myocardium, nerve and muscle tissues, liver. Damage to any of the above organs causes the AST level in the blood to rise.
The rate of ALT and AST in the blood directly depends on the liver, which is responsible for the following functions:
- Protein synthesis in the body;
- Removal of toxic substances and poison in case of poisoning;
- Creation of biochemical substances;
- Storage of glycogen, which is responsible for the vital activity and normal functioning of the body;
- Regulation of biochemical reactions.
What indicators are considered the norm for AST and ALT?
A biochemical blood test helps to identify dangerous diseases hidden in the body at an early stage. Often, an increase in ALT means and indicates a violation of liver function, while an increased rate of AST reflects a malfunction in the heart. But which indicators are considered normal, and which are deviations, so that it can be argued that high or low levels of ALT and AST are a sign of a dangerous progressive disease.
Normal and acceptable levels of ALT and AST depend on gender, therefore, it will differ significantly in men, women and children.
- In adult women, the level of ALT and AST should be less than 31 U / L.
- In adult men, the AST rate in the blood should be less than 47 U / L, and the ALT rate should not be higher than 45 U / L.
- As children are constantly growing, their ALT and AST readings change. At the same time, the ALT level in children should be below 50 U / L, while the AST indicator in children in the first 5 days of life reaches 140 U / L. After 5 days and up to the age of nine, the AST level in children should be below 55 U / L.
For the convenience of determining the level of ALT and AST, a table was developed, which reflects all indicators depending on the patient's gender:
ALT and AST levels in children, men and women
Since the level of AST and ALT can be different depending on the modernity of the equipment with which the biochemical analysis was performed, a table was developed, which reflects the normal values \u200b\u200band degrees of deviation of enzymes present in the blood:
If the indicators of AST and ALT during biochemical analysis are strongly increased, the patient can be diagnosed with liver pathologies. Often this phenomenon is observed with latent hepatitis and other dangerous diseases.
If the biochemical analysis showed that the AST level is increased several times, this means the presence of a myocardial infarction in the body. If AST was first elevated, and after 4 days it decreased, then there was no heart attack.
Reasons for changing the level of indicators
After deciphering the analysis of biochemistry, it was noticed that certain diseases affect the decrease in ALT, but this has nothing to do with the functionality of the liver. Decreased ALT can cause infectious genitourinary system, alcoholic hepatitis, tumor neoplasms, frequent drinking, lack of vitamin B6 due to improper diet.
The main reasons that the analysis rates in men, children and women are increased are:
- Myocardial infarction;
- Hepatitis;
- Forms of pancreatitis;
- Liver pathologies caused by drugs, alcohol or a viral infection;
- Taking steroids;
- The body's reaction to medications;
- Liver metastases;
- Fatty hepatosis;
- Burns and injuries where muscle and muscle tissue damage has occurred.
It is worth knowing that a decrease in the level of these enzymes occurs on its own after the underlying disease is cured.
The first symptoms showing an increase in AST and ALT:
- Nervousness and depression;
- Bad sleep;
- Decreased appetite that causes weight loss
- General weakness of the body.
Late symptoms of high enzyme levels include:
- Changed color of urine, which becomes darker in color;
- Discolored stool;
- The whites of the eyes and skin become yellowish;
- Nausea and feeling unwell;
- Swelling of the extremities.
Additional diagnostic measures to determine the presence of latent diseases:
- Blood test for hepatitis B and C;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
- Clinical blood test;
- Liver biopsy;
- Donating blood for thyroid hormones.
Treatment
If the level of AST and ALAT in children, men and women is increased, then there is some disease in the body. To lower the indices of these enzymes, you first need to get rid of the focus of the disease, which caused their increase.
First of all, you need to properly organize your food, which should be of high quality and healthy:
- Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables because these foods contain fiber. This also includes brown rice, which has the same properties.
- Green and medicinal teascontaining burdock, dandelion or milk thistle will help cleanse the liver and restore the body's water balance.
- It is important to consume foods containing a large amount of vitamin C. For example, revit vitamins contain a whole range of useful substances.
- The drinking regime should be observed.
- Take a cool shower.
- Respiratory gymnastics, as well as morning exercises or sports activities - all this helps to defeat the disease, which means to reduce the level of AST and ALAT in the blood.
Since ALT levels are often elevated in liver pathologies, it means that the doctor must also prescribe medications that will help protect hepatocytes from other harmful factors. These medicines are collectively called hematoprotectors.
Also, the doctor will note that the liver during illness in children, men and women is greatly weakened, which means that it should not be exposed to unnecessary risk, as the organ will be damaged even more.
To diagnose a number of diseases, an ALT blood test is prescribed, what is it? Alanine aminotransferase (ALT, ALT) is an enzyme involved in the transport of the amino acid alatin. ALT is found everywhere in all cells of the body, in large quantities it can be found:
- in the muscles, including the heart;
- in cages pancreas, liver and kidneys.
For an adult normal rate ALT in the blood:
- in men - 39-40 U / l;
- for women - 29-30 U / l.
With inflammatory processes, necrosis and other destructions internal organs ALT index rises. Therefore, if the blood contains more ALT than it should be according to the standard, this allows you to determine the stage to which the organ damage has reached. Analysis for AlAt is often prescribed in conjunction with another biochemical study, for AST. Simultaneous testing of blood for AST and ALT allows for a more accurate diagnosis. AST is an enzyme that transports the amino acid aspartate. The largest number of AST is found:
- in the liver;
- in skeletal muscles and heart;
- in the kidneys.
They are prescribed as additional diagnostic measures in conjunction with other studies.
The ALT enzyme is found in greater quantities in liver cells; if these cells are damaged, it is released into the circulatory system, which makes it possible to diagnose cirrhosis, hepatitis and other diseases in which the liver mainly suffers. The AST enzyme is present in a greater volume in the muscle tissue of the myocardium, therefore, with ischemia, myocardial infarction, myocarditis and other heart diseases increased content AST in the blood allows you to detect pathology.
Which doctor will order the analysis
Most often, a biochemical blood test for AST and ALT is prescribed by a cardiologist or gastroenterologist. What other doctors can refer to this study?
- gynecologist;
- endocrinologist;
- orthopedist;
- nephrologist.
A blood test for AST and ALT can be taken in any state clinic and in almost every private laboratory. It is better to order a survey together with a transcript, since the data laboratory research may be presented differently in the report, depending on the standards of a particular institution.
How to take ALT and AST tests
The level of enzymes is influenced by stress, alcoholic and drug intoxication. Therefore, in order for the analysis data to reflect the real situation, the patient needs special training:
- stop using alcoholic beverages and drugs in 7 days;
- refrain from intense excitement and stress;
- 10 hours before the tests, refrain from food, do not drink anything other than plain water.
If the patient is taking any medications, it is necessary to inform the attending physician about it. Many medications (especially steroids and enzymes) can interfere with the test results. In men, the enzyme composition of the blood quickly reacts to intense physical activity (lifting weights, running, sports training), so before the tests, you need to refrain from visiting the gym and other strenuous muscle work. In men and women, the enzyme composition of the blood is sensitive to nervous overstrain, to stress. To get results that correspond to the real situation, you should get a good sleep before donating blood and limit conflict situations.
Which diseases require AST and ALT tests
To diagnose the following diseases, ALT and AST analysis is used:
- Viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver tumors, including cancer, mononucleosis.
- Heart failure, ischemic disease heart, myocardial infarction, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis, pericarditis).
- Skeletal muscle diseases inflammatory processes in muscles, myositis, myopathy.
- Lung infarction.
- Hypothyroidism
- Hemolytic anemia.
- Injuries, shock, burns, hypoxia.
An increase in ALT and AST shows necrotic changes, therefore it is widely used to quickly determine the severity of the disease. The interpretation of the analysis results is carried out by the attending physician. The AST and ALT indicators are influenced by many factors that the doctor takes into account when interpreting the results:
- pregnancy;
- obesity;
- gender, age;
- chronic diseases;
- taking medications, for example, hormonal contraceptives, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Due to the destruction of muscle tissue and liver cells, the ALT index is increased due to severe mental shocks, extensive burns, pain shock and trauma.
In conditions that threaten the patient's life, a biochemical blood test for ALT and AST is not used, but it is universally performed to diagnose diseases of the heart muscle and liver.
Decoding the results
AST and ALT indicators are measured in conventional units per liter (U / L). Some laboratories use different units of measurement, so when analyzing data, it is necessary to clarify how to translate results from one system to another. How does the amount of these enzymes change with age?
- the optimal indicator for a newborn child up to 5 days of life is 49 U / l;
- the norm for children under 6 months is 56 U / l;
- from 6 months to 1 year - 54 U / l;
- from 1 to 3 years old - 33 U / l;
- from 3 to 6 years old - 29 U / l;
- from 6 to 12 years old - 39 U / l.
Fluctuations in AST and ALT are associated with a person's height. For each age, a person has a certain hormonal background and biochemical composition blood. A slight increase in enzymes in children does not necessarily indicate any serious illness. In adolescents from 12 to 14 years old, AST and ALT indicators gradually reach values \u200b\u200bcharacteristic of adults. The norm of ALT and AST in the blood for adults:
- in men, the optimal indicators are up to 40 U / l;
- for women - up to 30 U / l.
For diagnosis, it is not the ALT (ALT in the Latin abbreviation) and AST (AST) indices themselves that matter, but their ratio. This ratio is named after Dr. de Ritis (DRr). To calculate it, the AST indicator must be divided by ALT. The result is a number by which you can conclude about the presence or absence of pathology. For men and women, the de Ritis coefficient is estimated in the same way.
In hepatitis, the DRr coefficient is less than one, in dystrophic processes in the liver, it is greater or equal to one. For a more accurate clinical picture, an albumin test is used. If the DRr ratio is greater than 2, and the albumin index is less than 35 g / L, this indicates liver necrosis. Blood tests AST and ALT can detect viral hepatitis A 2 weeks before the onset of jaundice, and viral hepatitis B - 2-10 weeks before obvious changes. The diagnosis is never made only on the basis of the DRr coefficient; the attending physician prescribes other tests.
Change in indicators for various diseases
As an additional diagnostic measure, a biochemical blood test for AST and ALT is used to monitor the state of the liver and heart, less often the pancreas. How do the indices of enzymes change relative to the norm in pathological processes in the heart and liver?
- Gestosis. If in the first trimester of pregnancy the levels of AST and ALT are normal, what does this mean? Most often, the reason is not any serious illness, but a lack of vitamin B6. For the normal development of the fetus, a large amount of vitamin B6 is required, which is involved in the synthesis of the enzymes AST and ALT. When vitamin B6 deficiency is compensated, homeostasis of the liver and muscle tissue is restored. In the 2-3 trimesters, the level stabilizes, which indicates that the woman's liver and kidneys are coping with the increased load. If the indicators are significantly higher than normal, this indicates gestosis.
- Hepatitis. Acute viral hepatitis leads to an increase in ALT up to 500-3000 U / L. The indicator reaches its peak values \u200b\u200b2-3 weeks after infection, then a decrease begins. A repeated increase in ALT levels indicates liver cirrhosis. With alcoholic hepatitis, ALT and AST indicators are 500-600 U / l. A biochemical blood test can detect diseases that do not have symptoms in the early stages, for example, viral hepatitis B.
- Hyperfermentation. Moderate hyperfermentation of the liver gives an increase in ALT and AST by 1.5-5 times, moderate hyperfermentation - 6-10 times, severe - an increase of more than 10 times compared with the norm. Changes in the volume of enzymes circulating in circulatory system, allows us to conclude that there is a serious disorder in the liver. If these enzymes enter the bloodstream in large volumes, what does this mean? Liver cells are damaged and destroyed by pathological process... Other studies specify which pathology is being discussed. If the increase in AST is greater than ALT, hyperfermentation may indicate cirrhosis, metastases malignant tumor in the liver, intrahepatic cholestasis and infectious mononucleosis.
- Heart disease. In myocardial infarction, the increase in enzyme values \u200b\u200bdoes not occur synchronously. AST increases 8-10 times, and ALT - 1.5-2 times. After an attack, an increase in AST and ALT occurs within 6-8 hours, the maximum value is reached after 16-48, the indicators return to normal values \u200b\u200bafter 3-6 days.
In myocardial infarction, the increase in enzyme values \u200b\u200bdoes not occur synchronously. AST increases 8-10 times, and ALT - 1.5-2 times.
In order for the test data to be reliable, the doctor evaluates not only AST and ALT, but also other liver enzymes:
- bilirubin;
- creatine kinase;
- alkaline phosphatase;
- gamma glutamyl transferase;
- lactate dehydrogenase.
An increase in liver enzymes by 5-10% in the first trimester of pregnancy is the norm in women. The examination is usually carried out once per pregnancy, most often in 2-3 trimesters, if there is no indication for an urgent analysis. If you suspect heart disease, in addition to AST and ALT, the biochemical blood test includes:
- myoglobin;
- C-reactive protein;
- troponins;
- CF-fraction of creatine kinase.
It is used not only for diagnosis, but also for disease control.
The half-life of AST and ALT is from 12 to 24 hours, therefore, when monitoring the patient's condition, studies are carried out no more than once every 2 days. In adult men and women, indicators can fluctuate during the day within the range of 10-30% of the norm. AST in women rises naturally during gestation; within 2-3 months after conception, the level of enzymes normalizes.
Indicator below normal
Reduced indicators of AST and ALT are determined in analyzes due to two violations:
- lack of vitamin B6, which is involved in the synthesis of these enzymes;
- severe cirrhosis of the liver, in which the organ can no longer produce enzymes in sufficient quantities.
Vitamin B6 does not accumulate in cells, therefore, for the effective synthesis of AST and ALT, its constant intake with food is necessary. What are the signs of vitamin B6 deficiency?
- from the side immune system: decreased immunity, vulnerability to infectious diseases;
- from the side of the heart: racing blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, insufficient blood supply;
- diseases nervous system and psyche: depression, anxiety, insomnia, decreased concentration;
- from the muscles: cramps, myalgia;
- on the part of the skin: a decrease in the rate of tissue regeneration;
- from the liver: a lack of liver enzymes, which leads to digestive disorders.
B6 deficiency negatively affects the work of all organs and body systems without exception. B6 - pyridoxine is a substance that is irreplaceable in many chemical reactions. Therefore, if you suspect vitamin B6 deficiency, it is useful to take a biochemical blood test.
AST or aspartate aminotransferase - this indicator refers to protein enzymes contained in the body. He is responsible for ensuring that the synthesis of the protein and amino acids necessary for the body, which are found in cells and tissues, occurs in normal quantities. This indicator is not manifested in all organs. This enzyme, with its excess amount, shows pathological changes that occur in certain organs. Most of all it is found in the neurons of the brain, heart muscle and liver. The fact is that it is critical for these organs to maintain their normal worktherefore, AST is designed to keep them fit for life.
AST and ALT standards
How to pass it correctly
You don't need to do anything special during this blood test. Blood is donated on an empty stomach - at least 8-10 hours should pass after the last meal. In addition, during the last 24 hours before donating blood, you must not eat fried, spicy and salty foods, as well as alcoholic beverages. In the morning before check-in, you should not drink tea or coffee, for an hour you should refrain from smoking. You can drink clean non-carbonated water. In two weeks, in consultation with the doctor, you need to stop taking medications that may affect the research results. If this cannot be done, a specialist will confirm this.
Blood should not be donated if during the day the patient experienced strong emotional upheavals, heavy physical exertion, underwent fluorography or did x-rays, underwent any physiotherapy, ultrasound or rectal examinations of any spectrum. It is also worth refraining from sexual intercourse a day before donating blood. The result may be affected by the intake of valerian and vitamin A, as well as recent heart surgery.
Normal values
Important! If in the results obtained, the blood count for AST reflects a normal result, then this indicates the good work of the liver and heart, as well as their integrity.
Increased rates indicate the destruction and serious disruption of the work of these internal organs.
For different sex and age, different values \u200b\u200bof this indicator will be normal. For a newborn baby up to five days old, it can be up to 100 units / liter. In a child under 10 years old, the indicator gradually decreases and is equal to 50 units per liter. Adult women normally have 30 units / liter and men 37 units / liter. In some laboratories, acceptable normal values 35 units / liter for women and 41 units / liter for men are counted.
Attention! Dysfunctions of organs are indicated by an excess of the enzyme by 4-10 times.
If the results indicate an excess of 10-30 values, then the doctor will only observe the change in the situation. This may also indicate an incorrect delivery of the biomaterial, a violation of the diet before delivery.
Why AST can be increased
The increase in AST has its own gradation, since the enzyme can be slightly exceeded, and can be increased moderately or strongly. Prescriptions, examinations and treatment will also vary.
AST can be exceeded in case of alcohol intoxication and poisoning with plant products - mushrooms or jam.
Increased AST
A stable insignificant excess of the indicator in the blood indicates the presence of fatty deposits in the liver or the frequent use of certain drugs - pro-tumor, barbiturates, antibiotics or statins. It is registered as an increase in the AST indicator by 5-6 times from normal values. Perhaps you did not know this, but even taking aspirin shortly before the tests can show an excess of the indicator.
The average exceeded AST values \u200b\u200bare usually diagnosed with a heart attack or heart failure, mononucleosis or autoimmune diseasesin which the muscles have been damaged. Also, this can include donating blood after long-term constant intake of high doses of vitamin A. An excess of the AST indicator of moderate severity may indicate the presence of cirrhosis of the liver or some types cancerous tumors... In the results it looks like an excess of AST from the norm by 7-10 times.
A high level of increase in AST plasma indicates a large tumor and its necrosis, a large number of liver lesions of various sizes, viral hepatitis, positive reactions for taking drugs and long-term use of serious medications. The highest AST level is usually observed at the beginning of the active phase of the disease. It is during this period that the destruction is most significant and is accompanied by the release of toxins into the blood. It is detected with an increase in AST more than 10 times higher than the norm.
Attention! A significant decrease in the indicator does not mean a complete restoration of the function and integrity of the liver and heart. Most often, this indicates its rupture, severe cirrhosis and a significant deficiency of vitamin B6.
Increased AST for no reason
When AST is an indicator of heart function
A blood test for AST can reveal the correct functioning of the heart or the pathology of its work, depending on the result obtained. If deviations from the norm are detected at the beginning, then the chance of full recovery increases several times. The revealed increased values \u200b\u200bspeak not only of the development of a serious illness, but may also indicate improper preparation for donating blood, non-compliance with the doctor's instructions - taking drugs prohibited before donating blood, drinking alcohol, non-compliance with the food diet and sexual rest the day before delivery. If all the recommendations were followed, but there is a strong increase in the indicator, then additional studies are assigned to reveal the full picture.
The values \u200b\u200bof these indicators are checked, usually in conjunction with ALT. If the increase from normal ALT values \u200b\u200bis 150%, and AST is more than normal by 450%, then this indicates the presence of damage to the heart muscle. The blood supply to the heart is most likely impaired. Most often, in this case, hospitalization and intensive treatment in a hospital are required to normalize the work of the heart.
Important! In people with a large weight, during the period of bearing a child, after a stressful situation and after overwork, the indicators may be impaired. In this case, a second blood donation is required.
How AST behaves in liver diseases
With liver disease and acute hepatitis, the AST index also increases. There is a de Ritis coefficient, which determines the likelihood of illness. It reveals the value of the ALT / AST ratio. If the indicator turns out to be higher than the normal value of 0.9 - 1.7, then it is worth looking for problems in the work of the heart. If the indicator is below this norm, then problems need to be looked for in the liver.
Sometimes there are cases in which the deterioration of the patient's condition is accompanied by normal AST values. This happens when liver cells have multiple disorders and the disease has progressed for a long time. In this case, liver dysfunction will be indicated outward signs and other test results.
In a healthy person, the AST enzyme is usually found mainly in the myocardium, supporting the correct functioning of the heart without interruption. ALT is also found in the liver, so its excess often speaks of liver failure or liver cirrhosis.
If the indicator is exceeded slightly
In cases where the AST indicator is only slightly higher than its norm - less than 3 times - it is worth thinking not about the presence of a disease, but about the correctness of material sampling, compliance with the rules for donating blood and following the doctor's recommendations. The use of alcohol, toxic or narcotic substances on the eve of the day of delivery not only has a detrimental effect on the whole body, but also lubricates the results of the analysis, making them unreliable.
Folk remedies
If you are looking at a blood test and asth is elevated, then you should think about whether a food diet was followed before sampling the biomaterial. It is best not to eat fried, spicy and salty foods, and also refuse foods that are too rich in proteins and carbohydrates for a couple of days. AST will also be increased if, before donating blood, a person experienced strong emotional overload, quarreled with someone, if he was very worried at the time of donating blood. Also, we must not forget that the use of valerian before donating blood will negatively affect the results.
AST increased what does it mean? If all the recommendations were followed, the medication was taken into account and food and sexual rest was observed, then you need to go to a specialist. You should not try to prescribe your own treatment and decipher the results. When decoding them, the specialist takes into account not only the data on the sheet, but also the weight, height, sex, age of the patient and all his possible chronic diseases. After examining the results of the blood test for AST, the doctor will prescribe additional blood tests, ultrasound and examinations. Only by having complete and reliable clinical picture treatment can be prescribed.
Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase are enzymes that are active participants in amino acid metabolism. ALT and AST can be found in the cells of the kidneys, liver, heart muscles and other organs. If they enter the bloodstream, this indicates the presence of any disruption in the functioning of organs due to the destruction of cells. An increased amount of enzymes most often indicates the development of a serious illness. Deciphering the blood test can show which organ is damaged, the level of ALT and AST will be significantly increased in it.
ALT is found in the kidneys, liver, heart, muscle mass, and pancreas. AST is also found in muscle tissue, nerve fibers, liver, heart, and small amounts of the enzyme are present in the pancreas, lungs and kidneys. If damage to these organs occurs, the enzyme spreads through the damaged cells and into the blood vessels. This leads to an increase in ALT or AST in the blood.
In order to identify the indicators of enzymes in the circulatory system, a biochemical blood test is performed. To obtain accurate results, the study is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach. Before going to the clinic for analysis, you must not eat for at least eight hours. When determining the level of ALT and AST, venous blood is required.
In women, the rate of indicators is much lower than in men and is 31 U / l. In men, the ALT result is considered to be no higher than 45 U / L, AST 47 U / L. IN childhood ALT indicator should not exceed 50 U / l. AST in infants is no more than 149 U / L, in children under one year no more than 55 U / L. Up to three years, the ALT indicator of the enzyme is 33 U / L, up to six years - 29 U / L. In adolescence, the ALT level should not be higher than 39 U / L. In general, in childhood, slight deviations from the norm can be observed, which is associated with the uneven development of the body.
It is necessary to understand that the results of the study will also depend on what equipment the blood test was performed on. Therefore, only a professional doctor who is familiar with the interpretation of the results can tell the exact indicators.
Also, the analysis may show incorrect data if the patient took aspirin, paracetamol or contraceptives the day before. Including drugs made from valerian or echinacea in a similar way affect the body. An increase in indicators can cause excessive physical activity or the introduction of any drug intramuscularly.
Reasons for hanging ALT
If the analysis showed that the enzyme index in one or another organ is increased, this indicates the presence of a disease of this organ. The increase in indicators may be due to several reasons.
- Enzyme levels can be elevated as a result of the presence of hepatitis or other serious liver disease such as. With hepatitis of various forms, active destruction of cells occurs, because of which ALT enters the circulatory system. Additionally, the patient has yellowness skin, pain under the right rib, swelling of the stomach. Also, a blood test may show an increase in bilirubin levels. As far as the level of the enzyme in the blood is increased, the patient's disease is so strongly developed.
- As a result of myocardial infarction, cardiac muscle cells die, which leads to the entry of ALT and AST into the blood. The patient additionally experiences pain in the region of the heart, which radiates to the left side of the body. Painful sensations do not let go and last at least half an hour. The patient has a shortness of breath, weakness, dizzy and panic expectation of death.
- Heart diseases of a different nature also lead to the fact that the level of ALT in the circulatory system is increased. Long-term illness gradually destroys muscle tissue heart, increasing the amount of the enzyme. In this case, the patient suffers from shortness of breath, palpitations, frequent lowering of blood pressure.
- Also, the level of the enzyme in the blood is increased due to various physical injuries that damage the muscular system. Including the indicators are significantly affected by burns and other wounds.
- Due to the inflammation of the tissues of the pancreas, pancreatitis develops, in which the enzyme is significantly increased. The patient experiences pain in the abdomen, there is a sharp decrease in weight, the abdomen is swollen and there is frequent loose stools.
Reasons for increasing AST
The AST indicator can be increased in diseases of cardio-vascular system, pancreas, liver. There are several reasons for the increase in blood levels of the enzyme.
- The main reason why the AST level is elevated is most often myocardial infarction. In comparison with ALT indices, which increase insignificantly, AST increases many times in this disease.
- ALT is increased after surgery in the area of \u200b\u200bthe cardiovascular system. Also, the indicators increase due to other heart diseases.
- Often, an increase in the level of AST, like ALT in the blood, causes cirrhosis of the liver, alcohol intoxication, hepatitis, cancer and other liver diseases.
- Enzyme levels can be elevated due to severe trauma and burn wounds.
- The presence of acute or chronic pancreatitis may cause sharp rise indicators of the enzyme in the blood.
If ALT is elevated in pregnant women
Despite the fact that the norm of the enzyme in women is no more than 31 U / L, in the first months of pregnancy, the interpretation of the analysis may show a slight increase in indicators. This is considered normal and does not require additional treatment.
In the last trimester of pregnancy, women may develop mild or moderate preeclampsia, which leads to increased blood pressure, weakness, dizziness and frequent nausea. This causes an increase in ALT levels. In addition, it is important to constantly monitor and know. what is.
The higher the indicator shows the analysis, the more difficult preeclampsia in a pregnant woman. The reason for this is the significant load on the liver, which does not have time to cope with them. If the ATL results are excessively exceeded, it is necessary to undergo additional examination and identify the cause.
How to lower ALT levels
To reduce the levels of enzymes in the blood, you must first get rid of the cause of the increase in ALT levels. Since most often doctors diagnose liver disease, you need to undergo a full examination, pass all the necessary tests and start treatment.
After the patient goes through all the procedures and the course of admission drugs, the doctor prescribes an additional blood test. If the patient followed a therapeutic diet, took prescribed medications, and followed healthy image life, the ALT indicator after the course of treatment will return to normal.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe special medications to lower the level of enzymes in your bloodstream. These drugs include Duphalac, Heptral and Hofitol. They must be taken strictly according to the instructions and under the supervision of the attending physician. It is important to familiarize yourself with contraindications before taking medication.
Meanwhile, drugs will only alleviate a person's condition, but will not eliminate the cause of an increase in ALT levels. After the patient has been taking the drug for some time, the amount of enzymes will decrease for a while. However, it is important to identify the underlying cause of the disease and undergo treatment.
