High liver levels might indicate inflammation or damage to the liver cells. The common liver enzymes include alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). These enzymes are reliable markers of liver damage which leaks into the bloodstream if the liver cells are damaged and measured using a blood test.
Generally, the high liver levels are usually brief and mild. There are various conditions that can trigger an increase in the liver levels that range from medications to viruses.
Can hepatitis cause high liver levels?
Hepatitis or inflammation of the liver is a group of viral infections affecting the liver. The condition is categorized from A to E with type A as the most common.
Since it causes inflammation, there is high liver levels among those with hepatitis. Among those with hepatitis C, the ALT level is typically higher than the AST levels.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a prevalent chronic immune-mediated ailment affecting the small intestine brought about by the dietary intake of gluten in barley, wheat and rye.
Various liver conditions are associated to this condition. The lab test indicator of liver damage among individuals with celiac disease is mild to moderately high levels of AST and/or ALT.
Wilson’s disease
Wilson’s disease is a hereditary ailment where there is excess copper in the bodily tissues that leads to damage to the liver and nervous system.
The copper deposits can lead to tissue damage, death and scarring. The affected organ ceases to function correctly. In case the liver is affected, the lab tests reveal high liver levels, specifically ALT and AST.
Drugs and supplements
Certain medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that cause high liver levels include statins, acetaminophen, heparin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. The supplements and vitamins responsible include vitamin A, ephedra, shark cartilage and kava.