Causes of Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Disease description:
I frequently drink alcohol for business socializing, and over time, I’ve felt that my liver is not functioning properly. A physical examination revealed that my aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level is elevated. I would like to ask my doctor: What are the possible causes of an elevated AST level?
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Li Yi
Hello,
Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels may result from:
- Liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A;
- Vascular disorders—for example, Budd–Chiari syndrome, which is caused by obstruction of the hepatic veins or the inferior vena cava above the hepatic vein outflow;
- Medication use—since drugs are metabolized and absorbed primarily by the liver, certain medications may cause hepatic injury.
We hope the above information is helpful to you. Wishing you a happy and healthy life!
