What to do if aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is elevated
May 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, possible causes of elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels may include strenuous exercise, short-term medication or alcohol intake, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, and acute myocardial infarction. Treatment can be carried out under a doctor's guidance using general treatments, medication, and other methods. Maintaining good lifestyle and dietary habits in daily life can also effectively prevent elevated AST levels.
Generally, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels may be caused by strenuous exercise, short-term medication or alcohol intake, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, acute myocardial infarction, and other conditions. Patients can receive general treatments or drug therapy under the guidance of a physician. If elevated AST levels are detected, timely medical treatment is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Strenuous Exercise or Muscle Injury
Strenuous exercise or muscle injury can cause muscle cell rupture, releasing AST into the bloodstream and temporarily elevating its levels. No specific treatment is required. Rest and muscle relaxation after exercise are recommended, and mild stretching or massage may be performed when necessary.
2. Short-term Medication or Alcohol Consumption
Certain medications, such as antibiotics and lipid-lowering drugs, or excessive alcohol intake may cause temporary damage to liver cells, leading to the release of AST into the blood. Usually, no treatment is needed. In daily life, long-term or excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided, and medications should be strictly taken as prescribed by a physician. Self-administration of drugs potentially harmful to the liver should also be avoided.
3. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may be caused by obesity, high-fat diets, or metabolic syndrome, resulting in fat accumulation in the liver and subsequent liver cell injury. Fat accumulation can lead to liver cell inflammation and damage, causing AST to be released into the bloodstream and increasing its levels. Associated symptoms may include fatigue, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, and weight gain. Treatment under a physician's guidance may include medications such as vitamin E soft capsules, metformin tablets, and pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets.
4. Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is a common infectious disease caused by hepatitis virus infection. Transmission routes include fecal-oral transmission, sexual contact, and blood transmission. Viral infection can cause liver cell necrosis, releasing AST into the bloodstream and increasing its levels. Symptoms may include jaundice, loss of appetite, and nausea. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as entecavir tablets, sofosbuvir tablets, and compound glycyrrhizin tablets.
5. Acute Myocardial Infarction
Possible causes of acute myocardial infarction include hypertension and coronary atherosclerosis. These conditions may cause blockages leading to myocardial ischemia and necrosis. The death of myocardial cells results in the release of AST into the bloodstream, increasing its levels, often accompanied by elevated creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Symptoms may include chest pain, dyspnea, and palpitations. Treatment under a physician's recommendation may include medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, metoprolol sustained-release tablets, and atorvastatin calcium tablets.
Maintaining good living and dietary habits in daily life can effectively prevent elevated AST levels. Regular physical examinations, especially liver function tests, are also recommended for early detection and intervention of potential diseases.
