Elevated AST and ALT levels indicate which organ issue?

Elevated AST and ALT levels indicate which organ issue?

• A. Kidney issue
• B. Liver issue
• C. Lung issue
• D. Heart issue

Answer: (B)

Elevated levels of these two enzymes point to liver cell injury. AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) are released into the blood when liver cells are damaged, such as from hepatitis, fatty liver disease, drugs, or alcohol-related liver injury. ALT is more specific to the liver, while AST is also found in heart and muscle, so a rise in both together most strongly indicates a liver problem rather than issues in other organs. A pattern with only AST high or an AST:ALT ratio that’s markedly elevated can suggest other scenarios, but in general, increased AST and ALT together signal hepatocellular injury.

Elevated levels of these two enzymes point to liver cell injury. AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) are released into the blood when liver cells are damaged, such as from hepatitis, fatty liver disease, drugs, or alcohol-related liver injury. ALT is more specific to the liver, while AST is also found in heart and muscle, so a rise in both together most strongly indicates a liver problem rather than issues in other organs. A pattern with only AST high or an AST:ALT ratio that’s markedly elevated can suggest other scenarios, but in general, increased AST and ALT together signal hepatocellular injury.