For a correct and timely diagnosis, it is often not enough just to examine the patient and collect anamnesis. The leading role in diagnosing the disease is played by various types of studies, including the determination of biochemical parameters of blood.
Increased levels of transaminases. What do the test results say?
Determination of the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is indispensable in the study of the liver, heart, pancreas. An increase or, conversely, a decrease in the level of transaminase in the blood may indicate serious diseases such as myopathy, gout, and various bone neoplasms. With burns that occupy a large area, serious injuries, the above enzymes increase.
ALT and AST are elevated, and significantly in liver diseases. But if the thymol test values are higher than normal, then this indicates liver damage with viral hepatitis.
The levels of ALT and AST enzymes are elevated in myocardial infarction, myocarditis, heart failure. It should be noted, however, that ifan elevated level of AST transferase does not decrease from the moment of an attack, this indicates the possibility of an unfavorable prognosis for the patient. It is believed that if the increase in AST and ALT levels is less than 10 times, then this may indicate a number of diseases other than liver damage. An increase in their level by more than 10 times indicates liver disease - hepatitis (viral, toxic, ischemic or autoimmune), fatty hepatosis, liver cancer.
Rules for collecting a blood biochemistry test
To determine the level of AST and ALT, a blood test is taken strictly on an empty stomach. At the same time, dinner is allowed no later than 18 pm, in the 8 hours preceding blood sampling, food intake, including any liquid, should be excluded. Often, blood is taken for biochemistry in a polyclinic in the morning, before 10 o'clock. In hospitals, as a rule, around the clock.
The fact that ALT and AST are elevated can be said when the values of the biochemical blood test exceed the following indicators:
- for ALT - 0.1-0.68 µmol/(mlh);
- for AST - 0.1-0.45 µmol/(mlh).
In case of a decrease in the level of transaminase enzymes, one can suspect a lack of vitamin pyridoxine (B6) in the body.
Also, for the correct diagnosis, the Ritis index is used. Normally, this indicator should be equal to 1, 3. With an increase in it, we can talk about the possibility of myocardial infarction, with a decrease - about viral hepatitis.
It should be noted that in the firsttrimester of pregnancy, there may be a non-critical increase in the level of ALT transaminase. The analysis should be repeated one month after delivery. If the level is low, there is no reason to worry.
And yet, what to do?
Firstly, you should exclude the use in the period preceding the analysis of certain drugs that provoke an increase in the level of transferases in the blood. Secondly, if the levels of ALT and AST are elevated, you should not delay a visit to the doctor. Remember that only a specialist can prescribe treatment. Self-medication can lead to sad consequences.
