When Liver Function Test (LFT) results are high, it usually indicates that there's inflammation or damage to the liver cells. This is because inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher levels of certain chemicals into the bloodstream, including liver enzymes that are then detected at higher than normal levels in blood tests.
Understanding Elevated LFTs
Elevated liver enzymes on a blood test are a common sign of liver issues. Here's a breakdown of what this means:
Why Liver Enzymes Increase
- Cell Damage: When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, they release enzymes into the bloodstream.
- Enzyme Leakage: These enzymes, normally found within liver cells, escape into the blood at higher rates due to the damage.
- Detection: Blood tests then pick up these elevated levels of liver enzymes, signaling a potential problem.
Common Liver Enzymes Measured
Here are some of the common liver enzymes that are measured in LFTs:
| Enzyme Name | Abbreviation | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Alanine Transaminase | ALT | Found mainly in the liver; elevated levels strongly suggest liver damage. |
| Aspartate Transaminase | AST | Found in the liver, heart, and muscles; high levels can indicate liver or other tissue damage. |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | ALP | Found in the liver, bones, and intestines; elevated levels can indicate liver or bone problems. |
| Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase | GGT | Found in the liver and bile ducts; elevated levels often suggest liver or bile duct issues. |
Implications of High LFTs
High LFT results may indicate a variety of liver conditions. These can include:
- Hepatitis: Viral, alcoholic, or autoimmune related inflammation of the liver.
- Fatty Liver Disease: A buildup of fat in the liver, often associated with obesity or diabetes.
- Alcohol-Related Liver Damage: Liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
- Medication-Related Liver Injury: Damage caused by certain medications or supplements.
- Bile Duct Issues: Problems with the bile ducts can cause liver enzyme elevation.
- Other conditions: Less common conditions such as genetic liver diseases can also cause high LFT results.
What to Do When LFTs are High
- Consult a Doctor: It's important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
- Further Tests: Your doctor may recommend additional tests like imaging (ultrasound, CT scan), liver biopsy or further blood tests to identify the underlying cause.
- Treatment: Treatment will depend on the cause of the high LFTs, and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Following a healthy diet, avoiding excessive alcohol, and exercising regularly can help improve liver health.
In summary, elevated Liver Function Tests indicate liver damage, inflammation, or other problems which require medical assessment and management.
