What Are Liver Enzymes?

Alcohol is processed in the liver, but excessive alcohol consumption can damage its cells. This damage causes the liver to release enzymes into the bloodstream, and elevated levels of these enzymes can be detected through a blood test, signaling a potential problem.

Types of liver enzymes include:

Alanine Transaminase (ALT)

ALT is found mainly in the liver and is a good indicator of liver damage.

  • Normal ALT levels are generally between 7 and 55 units per liter (U/L).
  • Elevated ALT levels can indicate liver damage, with levels above 40 U/L often considered abnormal. Dangerously elevated levels can reach hundreds or even thousands of U/L and signal severe liver injury.

Aspartate Transaminase (AST) 

AST is present in the liver, heart, and other tissues. High AST levels indicate liver damage, but because of their presence in the heart and other tissues, their origin is not always clear.

  • Normal AST levels are typically between 8 and 48 U/L.
  • Elevated AST levels, similar to ALT, can signify liver damage. Levels above 40 U/L may be a cause for concern, and higher levels indicate more severe damage.

Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT) 

GGT is also found in several tissues, including the liver. Similar to aspartate transaminases, elevated GGT levels are associated with alcohol-related liver disease.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) 

ALP levels may indicate liver damage, although this enzyme is also found in other tissues.

Normal Vs. Elevated Enzyme Levels

Normal enzyme levels generally fall within the ranges mentioned above. However, they can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and specific testing methods used.

Elevated enzyme levels indicate that the liver may be damaged. The degree of elevation often correlates with the severity of the damage. It’s important to consult a doctor to interpret the results accurately, as other factors can also influence enzyme levels.

What Causes Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Several conditions can cause elevated enzymes, including:

  • Alcohol Use: Alcohol use is a major cause of liver damage and elevated liver enzymes. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and heavy drinking can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process it, leading to tissue damage and the release of enzymes into the blood.
  • Viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that can cause liver inflammation and elevated enzyme levels.
  • Fatty Liver Disease: Conditions caused by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver cause increased enzyme levels. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) are two variations of this process of fat accumulation.
  • Medications: Medications, including some over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription drugs, can cause liver damage and elevate enzyme levels.
  • Other Causes: Other potential causes of elevated liver enzymes include autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, and certain cancers.

A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to evaluate all potential causes. One should not assume elevated enzymes are strictly due to alcohol.

What Is Unhealthy Or Heavy Alcohol Use?

Currently, the medical consensus is that no amount of alcohol is safe. Even small amounts contribute to accidents and many physical and mental problems. These risks increase with the amount consumed.

For many years, health organizations have said that moderate drinking is:

  • For men: Consuming four drinks on any day or 14 drinks per week.
  • For women: Consuming three drinks on any day or seven drinks per week.

What is certain is that if your liver enzymes are elevated due to alcohol, you should no longer consume alcohol and seek help stopping if needed.

What Are The Symptoms Of Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Strictly speaking, elevated liver enzymes don’t cause noticeable symptoms. They are a sign of underlying disease discovered by lab tests. Liver damage releases enzymes into the blood and surrounding tissues, which can contribute to cascading effects of conditions such as alcoholism and hepatitis, leading to:

  • Fatigue and weakness: Liver damage can impair its ability to process nutrients, leading to feelings of tiredness and lack of energy.
  • Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite and nausea can accompany liver problems.
  • Unexplained weight loss: Digestion and liver disease often result in weight loss.
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort: Inflammation or swelling in the liver can cause pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen.
  • Jaundice: Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. When the liver is damaged, it may not process bilirubin efficiently, causing a buildup in the blood and tissues, leading to a yellow tinge in the skin and eyes. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that occurs naturally as a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. When red blood cells reach the end of their lifespan, they are broken down, and bilirubin is produced. The liver is responsible for processing bilirubin, modifying its chemical structure, and excreting it from the body through bile.
  • Dark urine: The buildup of bilirubin can darken the color of urine.
  • Pale clay-colored stools: Liver problems can affect bile production, which aids in fat digestion. This can result in pale or clay-colored stools.
  • Itching: Bile salts accumulating in the skin can cause itching.
  • Swelling in the legs or ankles: Damage to the liver can affect fluid balance, leading to swelling in the lower extremities.
  • Easy bruising or bleeding: The liver produces substances that help your blood clot, and damage can impair this function, leading to increased bleeding or bruising.
  • Disorientation or confusion: Liver damage can impact brain function due to the buildup of toxins

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation. Early detection and treatment of liver problems help prevent further damage.

Liver Damage 

Elevated liver enzyme levels can indicate more serious complications, including:

  • Fatty Liver Disease: Fatty liver disease can develop even with moderate alcohol consumption. It’s often the first stage of alcohol-related liver disease and may not cause noticeable symptoms.
  • Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is severe scarring of the liver and typically develops after years of chronic heavy alcohol use. It’s a serious condition that can lead to liver failure.

The point at which liver damage becomes irreversible varies depending on individual factors, but in advanced cases of cirrhosis, the damage may be beyond repair, potentially requiring a liver transplant. It usually takes years of heavy drinking to develop.

How Are Elevated Liver Enzymes Diagnosed?

If your healthcare professional suspects you have elevated liver enzymes, they will likely recommend a blood test to measure the levels of specific enzymes. They may also order additional tests, such as imaging studies or a liver biopsy, to assess the extent of liver damage and identify the underlying cause.

What Are The Blood Tests, And How Do They Work?

The tests used to diagnose elevated liver enzymes are often referred to as liver function tests (LFTs) or a liver panel. These tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood that reflect liver health.

These blood tests work by measuring the concentration of these enzymes and proteins in the blood sample. When the liver is damaged or diseased, it may release more of these enzymes into the blood or not be able to produce the proteins. A healthcare professional draws a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the liver panel will show the levels of each enzyme and protein measured. These lab values will be integrated into your profile that includes all other tests as well as a physical and mental assessment.

Enzyme levels are one aspect of making a diagnosis. They are what is called a “sign” indicating something needs to be looked into.

How Are Elevated Liver Enzymes Treated?

The treatment for elevated liver enzymes depends on the cause. In the case of alcohol, reducing consumption or treating the underlying medical conditions can improve enzyme levels.

If alcohol use is the cause, seeking help for alcohol addiction may be necessary. Treatment options may include:

  • Detoxification: This is a supervised process to manage withdrawal symptoms when someone stops drinking abruptly. It helps keep the patient safe and comfortable, as much as possible, during the initial stage of recovery.
  • Inpatient or Outpatient Rehabilitation: These programs provide intensive therapy and support to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of alcohol addiction.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment: Medications can reduce cravings, inhibit the pleasurable effects of alcohol, and help manage withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to stay sober.
  • Support Groups: Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous offer peer support and a safe space for individuals in recovery to share their experiences, challenges, and successes.

These treatment options are often combined for effective results. It’s essential to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual’s specific needs and circumstances.

Reach Out For Help Today

Elevated liver enzymes due to alcohol use can lead to severe health complications. If you’re concerned about your liver health and believe your alcohol consumption may be contributing to elevated enzyme levels, it’s crucial to seek treatment.

Early intervention and treatment can significantly improve your liver health and overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help today. Call a treatment provider to learn more about your rehab options and get started on the road to recovery.