What does it mean if aspartate aminotransferase is elevated, and what should be done?
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels may be caused by factors such as staying up late, fatigue, excessive alcohol consumption, acute hepatitis, fatty liver, or bile duct obstruction. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain regular作息, avoid staying up late, eat a balanced and low-fat diet, refrain from heavy drinking, and have regular check-ups to monitor liver function.
Generally, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels may be caused by factors such as staying up late, overexertion, excessive alcohol consumption, acute hepatitis, fatty liver, or biliary obstruction. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Staying Up Late and Overexertion
Long-term sleep deprivation or excessive physical strain prevents the liver from getting adequate rest, leading to abnormal cellular metabolism and release of enzymes into the bloodstream. Maintaining regular作息 with 7–8 hours of sleep daily, avoiding heavy physical labor, and balancing work with rest can gradually restore AST levels to normal.
2. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver. Excessive drinking damages liver cells, causing enzymes to leak into the blood. It is essential to stop drinking immediately, follow a light diet, drink plenty of warm water to promote metabolism, and avoid all alcoholic beverages in the future.
3. Acute Hepatitis
Viral infection causes liver inflammation, resulting in damaged or ruptured liver cells and a significant release of enzymes into the blood. Symptoms often include fatigue and jaundice. Medications such as lamivudine tablets, reduced glutathione tablets, and compound glycyrrhizin tablets may be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Bed rest and avoidance of physical exertion are also recommended.
4. Fatty Liver
Accumulation of fat within liver cells compresses and damages cellular structures, leading to enzyme leakage. This condition is commonly associated with obesity. Management includes dietary control to reduce high-fat intake, taking medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, silybin capsules, and vitamin E soft capsules as directed by a physician, along with moderate exercise to achieve weight loss.
5. Biliary Obstruction
Blockage of the bile ducts due to stones or inflammation leads to bile stasis, which irritates the liver and causes liver cell damage and elevated enzyme levels. Symptoms may include abdominal pain and jaundice. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory and cholagogue medications such as Xiaoyan Lidan tablets, ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, and cefaclor capsules, as prescribed. In severe cases, laparoscopic bile duct stone removal surgery may be required.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late; eat a balanced, low-fat diet and abstain from excessive alcohol consumption; undergo regular health checkups to monitor liver function; and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms such as liver discomfort or jaundice occur to determine the underlying cause.
