ALT stands for Alanine Aminotransferase. It is an enzyme, a type of protein, that is found mainly in the liver. The amount of ALT in your blood provides information about the health of your liver. When liver cells are damaged, more ALT is released into the blood. A normal ALT level usually indicates a healthy liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A high ALT level usually means that there may be a problem with your liver. This can be caused, for example, by inflammation or damage to the liver. A low ALT level is uncommon and is usually not a cause for concern. It generally provides little information about your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With an abnormal ALT level, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, and an abnormal level is discovered by chance during a blood test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ALT levels can be elevated due to liver diseases such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, fat accumulation in the liver (fatty liver disease), or a viral infection. Intense exercise can also temporarily increase ALT levels. A low ALT level usually has no medical significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conditions that can cause an elevated ALT level include hepatitis, liver cirrhosis (severe liver damage), fatty liver disease, bile duct problems, certain inherited conditions and, in some cases, heart or muscle disorders. Certain medications and excessive alcohol consumption can also increase ALT levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It may be advisable to have your ALT tested if you have symptoms that could indicate liver problems, such as fatigue, jaundice or abdominal pain. If you are at increased risk of liver disease, for example due to being overweight, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption or the use of certain medications, it may also be useful to have your ALT level checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ALT is measured using a finger-prick blood test, after which the laboratory determines the amount of ALT in your blood. The result is compared with the normal reference values, which may vary between laboratories. If the level is higher than normal, this may indicate a liver problem. Your doctor will consider the result together with any symptoms to determine what it may mean in your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To improve an abnormal (elevated) ALT level, it is important to keep your liver as healthy as possible. This can include eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight and using medications carefully. In some cases, treatment of an underlying condition may be necessary. Always discuss with your doctor what is most appropriate for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"biomarker_category":[],"biomarker_material":[],"class_list":["post-11018476","biomarker","type-biomarker","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n