What causes elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and how can it be lowered?

In general, "丙转氨酶" (ALT) refers to alanine aminotransferase. Elevated alanine aminotransferase levels may be associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits, fatty liver disease, acute viral hepatitis, dermatomyositis, myocarditis, and other factors. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment, which usually leads to a gradual decrease in ALT levels. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

If patients frequently consume alcohol or stay up late, these unhealthy habits can increase the burden on the liver, leading to liver damage and consequently elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. It is recommended that patients improve their lifestyle by going to bed early and waking up early, which can help reduce elevated ALT levels.

2. Fatty Liver Disease

This condition may be related to improper dietary habits, especially consuming foods high in fat or long-term alcohol consumption, which can lead to excessive fat accumulation in liver cells and result in increased alanine aminotransferase levels. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may take medications such as hepatoprotective tablets or silibinin capsules for treatment.

3. Acute Viral Hepatitis

During an episode of acute viral hepatitis, extensive liver cell necrosis occurs, causing intracellular alanine aminotransferase to be released into the bloodstream, resulting in a significant rise in ALT levels—often exceeding 300 U/L. Diagnosis can be confirmed through blood tests for hepatitis markers. If diagnosed, patients may take medications such as imatinib mesylate capsules or valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician to lower ALT levels.

4. Dermatomyositis

This is an immune-mediated systemic disorder that may also cause elevated ALT levels. Patients may use immunosuppressants such as azathioprine tablets or cyclophosphamide compound tablets under medical supervision.

5. Myocarditis

Alanine aminotransferase is an enzyme present in cardiac muscle cells. When the heart muscle is damaged, the enzyme leaks out and enters the bloodstream, leading to increased serum ALT levels. Patients may be treated with medications such as ribavirin tablets or acyclovir tablets under a doctor’s guidance.

In addition, elevated ALT levels may also be associated with conditions such as renal infarction or pulmonary infarction. If patients experience any discomfort or symptoms, they should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.