High transaminases are often a sign of liver damage or liver disease. Transaminases are enzymes that are found in the liver cells and are released into the bloodstream when the liver is damaged or inflamed.

Elevated levels of these enzymes in the blood are a red flag that should not be ignored.

What are Transaminases?

Transaminases are a group of enzymes that help to break down amino acids in the body. They are also known as aminotransferases. The two most commonly measured transaminases are aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

These enzymes are found mainly in the liver, but they are also present in other organs, such as the heart, muscles, and kidneys.

What Causes High Transaminases?

There are many different causes of high transaminases, including:.

Alcohol abuse
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Liver infection, such as hepatitis A, B, or C
Drug-induced liver injury
Cirrhosis
Hemochromatosis
Wilson’s disease
Autoimmune hepatitis

The liver is a vital organ, and when it is damaged, it cannot function properly. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile to aid in digestion, and regulating sugar and fat in the bloodstream.

When the liver is damaged, these functions are impaired, and the body can become very sick.

Symptoms of High Transaminases

Often, high transaminases do not cause any symptoms. It is possible to have high transaminases and not know it. In some cases, people may experience symptoms such as:.

Fatigue
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Abdominal pain or swelling

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Elevated transaminases can indicate a serious problem with your liver.

Diagnosis of High Transaminases

If your doctor suspects that you have high transaminases, they will order blood tests to measure the amount of AST and ALT in your bloodstream. If your levels are high, your doctor may order additional tests, such as:.

Ultrasound of the liver
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the liver
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver
Liver biopsy

These tests can help to determine the cause of your elevated transaminases and to rule out other potential causes.

Treatment of High Transaminases

The treatment for high transaminases depends on the underlying cause. For example, if your high transaminases are caused by alcohol abuse, the treatment may involve quitting alcohol and attending support groups or therapy to help you stay sober.

If your high transaminases are caused by a viral infection, such as hepatitis B or C, antiviral medications may be prescribed.

In some cases, lifestyle changes can help to lower transaminase levels. These may include losing weight, eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and getting regular exercise.

Prevention of High Transaminases

Preventing high transaminases involves taking good care of your liver. This means avoiding alcohol abuse, getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and avoiding exposure to toxic substances such as chemicals or drugs.

Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise can also help to keep your liver healthy and functioning properly.

Conclusion

High transaminases are a red flag that should not be ignored. Elevated levels of these enzymes can be a sign of liver damage or liver disease.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of high transaminases or have been diagnosed with this condition, it is important to see a doctor right away. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many cases of high transaminases can be successfully managed.