While there's no single universally agreed-upon number defining a "dangerously high" ALT (alanine aminotransferase, also known as SGPT), levels significantly above the upper limit of normal (ULN) indicate serious liver damage. Doctors may consider ALT results high if they are above 33 U/L in males and above 25 U/L in females. However, this is just a starting point. An ALT level above 100 IU/L is a clear indicator of serious liver disease. Mild elevations (30-100 IU/L) can sometimes be attributed to factors other than serious liver disease, but still warrant investigation. Extremely high levels, exceeding 1000 U/L, strongly suggest severe liver injury or hepatitis.
Understanding ALT Levels
- Normal Range: The normal range for ALT varies slightly between labs, but generally falls within a specific range for men and women.
- Mild Elevation (30-100 IU/L): This requires further investigation to determine the cause. It could be due to factors like medication use or less serious liver inflammation.
- Significant Elevation (100 IU/L and above): This strongly suggests substantial liver damage and often requires immediate medical attention.
- Extremely High Levels (1000 IU/L and above): These levels usually indicate severe liver injury or conditions like acute hepatitis.
What to Do if Your ALT is High
If your ALT levels are high, it's crucial to consult a doctor. They will conduct a thorough examination, review your medical history, and likely order additional tests to pinpoint the cause. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, which can range from medication adjustments to managing underlying liver diseases.
Causes of Elevated ALT Levels
High ALT levels are a symptom, not a diagnosis. The underlying causes can be numerous and include:
- Liver diseases: Hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, autoimmune), cirrhosis, liver cancer.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause liver damage.
- Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver damage.
- Heart attack: ALT may be elevated following a heart attack.
- Muscle damage: Injury to muscles can also elevate ALT levels.
