The liver is undoubtedly one of the essential organs in the body because of its various functions. From producing bile that aids in digestion, storing vitamins and minerals for the body to metabolizing toxins, the liver is vital to overall health.

In addition to these activities, the liver produces a group of enzymes that play a critical role in maintaining its ability to function correctly. These enzymes are responsible for converting proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into energy that the body can utilize. However, when something goes wrong, such as inflammation, liver cells break down, resulting in elevated liver enzymes.

The Basics of Liver Enzymes

The liver enzymes are essential in converting substances for metabolism and maintaining the overall health of the liver.

The primary liver enzymes include aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The activities of these enzymes are regulated, with any form of liver damage causing a significant elevation in their levels in the bloodstream.

The detection of elevated liver enzymes requires routine liver function tests (LFTs). Under normal conditions, these enzymes are relatively low in the bloodstream, typically less than 40 units per liter (U/L).

However, when these levels exceed 2 or 3 times the normal range, it is typically an indication that the liver may not be functioning correctly.

Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes

A wide variety of factors can lead to elevated liver enzymes. Some of the common ones are:.

1. Alcohol-related liver disease

Excessive intake of alcohol can lead to a range of liver conditions, including alcoholic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Notably, alcohol-induced liver damage can elevate the AST and ALT enzymes in the bloodstream.

2. Fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease is a condition that occurs when excessive fat accumulates in the liver cells, leading to inflammation and liver damage. This condition can also lead to elevated liver enzymes.

3. Viral hepatitis infections

Both hepatitis B and C can cause acute or chronic liver infections that lead to inflammation and liver damage. The inflammation can also cause elevated liver enzymes.

4. Medications

The use of over-the-counter or prescription medications can lead to elevated liver enzymes. This includes medications such as acetaminophen, antibiotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

5. Autoimmune disorders

Autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis can cause inflammation and liver damage that results in elevated liver enzymes.

Symptoms of Elevated Liver Enzymes

In most cases, patients with elevated liver enzymes do not exhibit any significant symptoms. However, depending on the severity of the underlying condition, some patients may experience the following symptoms:.

1. Fatigue

Patients with elevated liver enzymes may experience fatigue or weakness.

2. Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain or discomfort is one of the most common symptoms of elevated liver enzymes.

3. Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms that patients may present on testing.

4. Jaundice

Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in the mouth. It occurs due to the buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream and is often indicative of liver damage.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If your liver enzymes are persistently elevated, it is essential to see a medical professional. The doctor will use specific tests to diagnose the underlying cause of elevated liver enzymes.

Depending on the cause, treatment options may include medications or lifestyle changes.

It is also crucial to seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may be an indication of liver failure, requiring immediate medical attention.

Preventing Elevated Liver Enzymes

Although you cannot entirely prevent certain conditions that lead to elevated liver enzymes, there are lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce your risk:.

1. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption can help lower the risk of developing alcohol-related liver disease and elevated liver enzymes.

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent fatty liver disease, which is a significant cause of elevated liver enzymes. It also helps prevent obesity, which has been linked to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

3. Avoid exposure to toxins

Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals such as aerosol sprays, pesticides, and cleaning products can prevent liver damage.

Testing for Elevated Liver Enzymes

If your doctor suspects that you have elevated liver enzymes, they will likely recommend a liver function test (LFT). An LFT measures the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT enzymes in the bloodstream.

If the tests indicate elevated levels of these enzymes, the medical professional may perform further tests, such as an ultrasound or a liver biopsy, to determine the underlying cause of the elevated levels accurately.

Conclusion

Elevated liver enzymes are a common condition that can result from a wide range of factors.

While most asymptomatic patients may not experience any immediate adverse effects, the condition can be an indication of underlying liver damage, hence the need for routine liver function tests.

If the underlying condition is persistent and severe, affected patients may require medical intervention, including lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.