Liver – the most important organ, on the work of which human health and the beauty of his skin depend. After all, it is he who takes an active part in digestion, as well as in the neutralization of allergens, poisons and toxins that have entered the body. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) plays a key role in the functioning of the liver. This endogenous enzyme, located in the cell of the organ, is involved in the exchange of amino acids. It also fulfills an important mission – cleanses the gland of toxins.
A small amount of organic matter can also be found in the blood. However, if the cells are destroyed, ALT is released and its level in the blood increases. In this case, they talk about the destruction of the liver. In order to find out if everything is in order with this organ, doctors prescribe a biochemical blood test that detects the level of ALT, the rate of which you will find out in an article from the Internet publication estet-portal.com.
- ALT: what is the norm in human blood
- When ALT levels are elevated
- Common symptoms of abnormal ALT
- How to normalize the level of ALT in the blood
ALT: what is the norm in human blood
Biochemical analysis of blood has been used in medical practice for quite a long time. After all, it is he who helps to identify the pathology of any organ, including the liver. To examine this digestive gland, doctors prescribe an ALT test. It allows you to accurately determine the level of enzymes in the blood and the presence of possible diseases. In order for the results to be as reliable as possible, it is necessary to prepare a little for such an examination:
• do not eat for 12 hours before the test;
• do not take aspirin, valerian tablets, paracetamol and contraceptives the day before blood donation;
• do not drink alcohol a week before the examination;
• before analysis, avoid smoking, worries, as well as moral and physical stress.
Blood for testing is usually taken from a vein. And the results of the analysis are ready on the second day after delivery. Correctly interpreted analysis shows the correct clinical picture. Only a doctor can find out if everything is in order with the liver, based on the results of the analysis. However, each person can find out what ALT norm is. So, in medical reference books it is written that the normal amount of enzymes in the blood of women is 31 U / l, and in men – 41 U/l. In children, the indicator usually does not exceed 50 U / l.
Very often ALT results are compared with AST results – an enzyme that is also synthesized within the cell. In medicine, this phenomenon is known as the de Ritis coefficient.
The optimal value of the de Ritis coefficient is between 0.91 and 1.75. A score greater than 2 indicates damage to the heart muscle. And if the coefficient does not exceed 1, it means that there is a liver disease. And the lower the score, the more serious the problem.
The analysis is usually prescribed as a diagnostic in cases where there are factors in a person's life that destroy liver cells: frequent alcohol and fatty foods, smoking, as well as the abuse of paracetamol, contraceptives and other medicines.
Also, doctors recommend being examined for diabetes and overweight. It is necessary to check the level of ALT even if there was contact with a patient with hepatitis. Often, a biochemical blood test is prescribed for pain under the right rib, nausea, yellow skin color.
When ALT levels are elevated
The deviation of the level of organic matter from the norm indicates that there is a disease in the body, often associated with the liver. Thus, an increase in the amount of alanine aminotransferase tenfold indicates the presence of one of several liver diseases:
• Hepatitis. In chronic disease, the level of ALT is slightly elevated, and in viral hepatitis, the amount of alanine aminotransferase is significantly exceeded. If you have hepatitis A, timely analysis allows you to identify the disease at an early stage.
• Cancer – such a disease is very often a consequence of hepatitis. Thanks to the analysis for ALT, this insidious disease can be detected quickly enough, and treatment can be started on time.
• Cirrhosis. The danger of such a disease is that it does not manifest itself for a long time. A person feels only slight fatigue and pain in the liver. You can find out about the presence of an ailment by exceeding the enzyme by 5 times.
Not always an increase in the level of the enzyme indicates a disease. ALT, the rate of which is slightly increased, very often indicates pregnancy. The fact is that in the last trimester, women often experience preeclampsia, which is accompanied by general weakness, dizziness and increased pressure. And this, in turn, leads to a deviation of the enzyme level from the norm.
There is also a decrease in the amount of organic matter. This happens when the body lacks folic acid and vitamins. And a significant drop in the level of enzymes in liver cirrhosis indicates the absence of healthy cells.
Common symptoms of abnormal ALT
You can find out that the amount of enzymes in the blood is increased or decreased even before a biochemical examination. Often such a pathology manifests itself as follows:
• pain under right lower rib;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• weakness;
• yellowing of the skin and eyes;
• hyperthermia;
• spider veins on the body;
• abdominal enlargement;
•
If one or more symptoms are found, it is imperative to consult a doctor. After all, these manifestations can indicate a serious disease, which, if not treated in time, can result in a complication and
How to normalize the level of ALT in the blood
If, after passing the test, a deviation from the norm was found, the doctor usually prescribes an additional examination, which allows you to find out the true cause of the pathology. After it is known what exactly led to the deviation from the norm, the specialist prescribes a course of treatment, after which the ALT level should return to normal.
Your doctor may also prescribe a special drug to reduce the level of enzymes in the blood. The medication should be taken only under the strict supervision of the attending physician. And it is very important to read the instructions for contraindications before using the medicine.
Keep in mind that these drugs only relieve the condition, but do not get rid of the problem. Therefore, first of all, it is still necessary to cure the disease itself from an experienced doctor. Then there will be no trace of the problem, the liver will recover, and the skin will regain a healthy color.
Read also:
Liver cleansing at home: top 3 effective methods
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