Causes of Elevated Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Levels
Disease description:
During a physical examination, the doctor told me that my alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was elevated. I would like to ask the doctor, what are the causes of elevated alanine aminotransferase levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels usually indicate that the liver may have some degree of damage or disease. The following are some common causes:
1. Viral hepatitis infection: such as hepatitis B, C, or E, is one of the most common causes of elevated ALT.
2. Fatty liver disease: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) can cause liver inflammation, leading to elevated ALT levels.
3. Excessive alcohol consumption: long-term heavy drinking can damage liver cells, causing ALT levels to rise.
4. Medications or toxins: certain drugs, chemicals, or herbal remedies may cause hepatotoxic reactions, thereby increasing ALT levels.
After discovering elevated ALT levels, it is recommended to undergo further examinations to determine the specific cause. At the same time, it is advised to adjust lifestyle habits (such as quitting alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly) and follow the treatment recommendations of a physician.
