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Liver Tests (ALT, AST, GGT, Bilirubin): What Do Raised Levels Mean?
Why liver enzymes rise: the meaning of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and bilirubin, fatty liver disease, medicine effects and follow-up advice.
Contents
The liver processes nutrients, clears medicines and toxins, makes clotting proteins and produces bile. Like kidney disease, liver disease can remain silent; raised enzymes on routine tests are often the first clue.
| Test | Shows | Common causes of rise |
|---|---|---|
| ALT | Liver cell injury (more specific) | Fatty liver, hepatitis, medicines |
| AST | Liver and muscle injury | Alcohol, fatty liver, muscle damage |
| ALP | Bile ducts and bone | Bile duct blockage, bone disease |
| GGT | Bile ducts, alcohol, drugs | Alcohol, bile problems, medicines |
| Bilirubin | Bile pigment | Jaundice, blockage, Gilbert's syndrome |
| Albumin | Protein production | Low in chronic liver disease or malnutrition |
| INR / PT | Clotting | Prolonged when liver synthesis is impaired |
The most common cause: fatty liver
Metabolic fatty liver disease is linked to excess weight, abdominal fat, diabetes, high triglycerides and inactivity. It is usually symptom-free. Losing 7–10% of body weight, cutting sugary drinks and processed foods, 150 minutes of weekly activity and avoiding alcohol help considerably.
Medicines and herbal products
Some cholesterol medicines, antibiotics and TB drugs, high-dose paracetamol, slimming teas, bodybuilding supplements and herbal mixtures can raise enzymes. "Herbal" does not mean harmless.
See a doctor promptly for
Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine and pale stools, severe right upper abdominal pain, abdominal swelling or leg oedema, easy bruising, confusion.
Follow-up
Mild rises are usually retested after a few weeks, medicines are reviewed, and hepatitis tests or ultrasound may be added.
We perform liver function tests and hepatitis markers at home across Yalova, with home ultrasound and specialist review if needed, and appointments in Bursa, Istanbul and Kocaeli–Gebze.
