What does abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) mean, and what should be done?

Under normal circumstances, abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels may be caused by intense exercise, staying up late, viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, and other factors. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a qualified hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Intense Exercise

During intense physical activity, muscle cells undergo vigorous metabolism, and some damaged cells release ALT into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels. Discontinuing high-intensity exercise, ensuring adequate rest, and opting for mild activities such as walking typically allow levels to return to normal within 1–2 weeks upon retesting.

2. Staying Up Late and Fatigue

Chronic sleep deprivation or excessive fatigue prevents the liver from getting sufficient rest, causing metabolic dysfunction and increased permeability of liver cells, which leads to enzyme leakage into the blood. Maintaining regular sleep patterns, ensuring 7–8 hours of sleep per night, avoiding overexertion, and consuming light, easily digestible meals are recommended.

3. Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and similar pathogens invade liver cells, causing degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes, resulting in significant release of ALT into the blood. Medications such as entecavir tablets, tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets, and lamivudine tablets may be used under medical guidance. Alcohol consumption should be avoided, and a balanced diet maintained.

4. Fatty Liver Disease

Excessive fat accumulation in liver cells impairs their normal function and triggers inflammatory responses that elevate enzyme levels. Reducing dietary fat intake, increasing dietary fiber, and engaging in regular exercises like jogging are beneficial. Medications such as silybin capsules, polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, and ursodeoxycholic acid capsules may be used under a doctor’s supervision.

5. Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Long-term use of antipyretic analgesics, antibiotics, and other medications can damage liver cells through active drug components and their metabolites, resulting in enzyme release. The offending medication should be discontinued immediately. Under medical guidance, drugs such as reduced glutathione tablets, compound glycyrrhizin tablets, and tiopronin enteric-coated tablets may be administered, and patients should consult a physician to adjust their treatment plan.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular routine and avoid staying up late or overworking; eat a balanced diet with reduced intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption; consult a doctor before taking any medication to prevent self-medication; and undergo regular liver function tests for early detection and intervention.