Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do

What Are Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Elevated liver enzymes refer to higher-than-normal levels of proteins (mainly ALT and AST) released into the blood when liver cells are damaged or inflamed. These enzymes are measured through a Liver Function Test (LFT), which helps evaluate how well your liver is functioning.

Mild increases may be temporary and harmless, but persistently elevated readings can indicate underlying conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or even liver cancer.

What Causes Elevated Liver Enzymes?

High liver enzyme levels often signal inflammation or damage caused by:

• Fatty liver disease: Due to alcohol, obesity, or diabetes; common and reversible with lifestyle changes.
• Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E): Infections that inflame the liver and raise enzyme levels.
• Excess alcohol: Damages liver cells and can lead to cirrhosis.
• Medications or supplements: Painkillers, antibiotics, or statins may cause drug-induced liver injury.
• Obesity and metabolic issues: Fat buildup in the liver leads to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• Gallstones or bile duct blockage: Can raise ALP and GGT levels and are often associated with jaundice or abdominal pain.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: Occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own liver cells, leading to chronic inflammation.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 62.53% of Type 2 diabetes patients in North India showed elevated liver enzyme levels compared to 32% of healthy individuals — highlighting a strong link between metabolic disorders and liver dysfunction.

Elevated Liver Enzymes Symptoms

In many people, elevated liver enzymes cause no obvious symptoms and are found during a routine LFT.

When signs appear, they may include:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Itchy skin or swelling in the legs and abdomen

Diagnostic Tests and Imaging Techniques for Elevated Liver Enzymes

To pinpoint the reason behind elevated levels, doctors may recommend:

• Liver Function Test (LFT): Measures ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin to assess liver health.
• Viral Hepatitis Screening: Detects infections with hepatitis A, B, or C, which can cause liver inflammation.
• Fatty Liver and Fibrosis Tests (Fatty Liver Profile, FibroMax, ActiTest): Evaluate fat buildup and scarring.
• Autoimmune Liver Disease Profiles: Identify antibodies linked to autoimmune hepatitis.
• Cancer Marker Tests (AFP, Liver Marker Panels): Screen for liver tumours and early liver cancer.
• Ultrasound: Checks for fatty liver, cysts, or gallstones.
• CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the liver's structure and abnormalities.
• MRI: Detects fibrosis, tumours, or internal bleeding.
• Indocyanine Green (ICG) Clearance Test: Evaluates liver blood flow and function.
• Liver biopsy or immunohistochemistry (IHC) panel: Used to confirm chronic liver disease, fibrosis, or liver cancer.

What to Do If Your Liver Enzyme Levels Are High

Elevated liver enzymes indicate inflammation or stress in the liver. Follow-up testing and simple lifestyle changes can help restore normal levels.

Liver Enzyme Tests: What They Measure

• ALT (Alanine transaminase): Detects active liver inflammation and is one of the most sensitive markers for liver cell damage.
• AST (Aspartate transaminase): Found in liver, heart, and muscle tissues; helps determine the severity and origin of injury.
• ALP (Alkaline phosphatase): Indicates bile duct obstruction, gallbladder disorders, or bone-related conditions.
• GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase): Often elevated due to alcohol use or medication-induced liver stress; also helps confirm bile flow obstruction.
• Bilirubin: Measures how efficiently the liver processes waste; high levels cause jaundice.
• Albumin and Total Protein: Evaluate the liver’s ability to produce essential proteins for body function.

Chronic Liver Conditions and Elevated Enzymes

Persistent enzyme elevation may indicate fatty liver disease (NAFLD or AFLD), autoimmune hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, or liver cirrhosis. Chronic inflammation increases the risk of fibrosis or liver cancer, making early detection through regular LFTs and imaging (CT, MRI) vital.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes

• Avoid alcohol and quit smoking to reduce liver strain.
• Maintain a healthy weight by following a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise.
• Control diabetes and cholesterol under the guidance of a medical professional.
• Avoid overusing painkillers or herbal supplements unless prescribed by your doctor.
• Eat antioxidant-rich foods like turmeric, berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens to aid detoxification.
• Stay well-hydrated to support optimal liver function.

Treatment Options for Elevated Liver Enzymes

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and restoring healthy liver function:

1. Targeted therapy: Antiviral medications for hepatitis or weight management strategies for fatty liver disease.
2. Medication review: Doctors may adjust or replace medications that cause enzyme elevation.
3. Dietary guidance: Limiting fried foods, refined carbs, and processed sugar.
4. Monitoring progress: Regular LFTs, Ultrasound, CT Scan, or MRI to track liver recovery.
5. Advanced care: In severe cases, fibrosis reversal therapy, additional biopsy, or liver transplant evaluation may be required.

Can Elevated Liver Enzymes Be Prevented?

Yes. In most cases, elevated liver enzymes can be prevented through consistent liver-healthy habits and timely check-ups. The liver has a remarkable ability to heal and regenerate when protected from chronic stress.

Prevention Tips

• Limit alcohol consumption or avoid it completely.
• Maintain a healthy weight and manage conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding processed or fried foods.
• Stay hydrated and engage in regular physical activity to support healthy liver function.
• Use medications responsibly — avoid self-medicating and check with your doctor before using painkillers or supplements.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

When to See a Doctor?

You should consult a doctor if your Liver Function Test (LFT) shows persistently high enzyme levels or if you experience symptoms suggesting liver distress. Early medical evaluation can prevent irreversible damage.

See a doctor immediately if you notice:

• Persistent fatigue, weakness, or loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain or swelling, especially in the upper right side
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Unexplained nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or drowsiness (possible liver dysfunction)

Conclusion

Elevated liver enzymes can often be managed with early diagnosis and simple lifestyle changes. Timely testing helps detect liver stress before it becomes serious.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we offer 4000+ tests, including comprehensive liver profiles and full body check-ups, with accurate results from NABL & CAP-accredited labs. Enjoy home sample collection through 10,000+ touchpoints, fast turnaround, and easy booking via website, app, call, or WhatsApp.

FAQs

What are elevated liver enzymes?

They refer to higher-than-normal levels of liver proteins like ALT and AST in the blood, indicating possible liver inflammation or damage.

Can elevated liver enzymes indicate liver disease?

Yes. Persistent elevation may suggest conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis, which need timely diagnosis and management.

How are elevated liver enzymes treated?

• Treat underlying cause (e.g., antivirals for hepatitis).
• Modify diet and reduce alcohol.
• Regular follow-up with LFTs.
• Imaging techniques, such as CT scans or MRIs, are used to monitor recovery.

What can cause temporary elevated liver enzymes?

Short-term enzyme increases can result from intense exercise, certain medications, or a viral infection. These usually normalise without treatment.

Are elevated liver enzymes serious?

Not always. Mild or temporary elevations often resolve on their own, but sustained high readings may indicate chronic liver injury requiring medical attention.