What are the causes of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)?

Jun 05, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

What are the causes of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
There are several reasons for elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, which can be summarized as follows: 1. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Long-term alcohol consumption, staying up late, smoking, and other unhealthy habits may damage liver function, leading to elevated ALT levels. 2. Disease-related factors: - Liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis and cirrhosis, can damage liver cells and result in increased ALT levels. - Biliary tract diseases, such as cholecystitis and gallstones, may also cause elevated ALT levels. - Heart conditions, such as acute myocardial infarction, can lead to increased ALT due to damage to heart muscle cells. - Other factors, including certain medications, pregnancy, and kidney diseases, may also contribute to elevated ALT levels.