Liver Enzymes and Your Health
June 6, 2008 by rainier
When assessing liver health, doctors typically look at the blood levels of certain substances including bilirubin and liver enzymes. Higher than normal levels of these chemicals may be a sign of liver disease.
Laboratory reports indicating elevated liver enzyme levels are common. Elevated enzyme levels do not indicate a specific disease, but may be caused by a liver disorder. Common causes of elevated liver enzyme levels include:
* Medications such as:
o Certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
o Cholesterol-lowering medications
o Antibiotics
o Anti-seizure medications
* Excessive alcohol consumption
* Obesity
* Diabetes
* Elevated triglycerides
* Infection, such as viral hepatitis and mononucleosis
* Autoimmune disorders of the liver and bile ducts, such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis
* Metabolic liver disease, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease
* Excessive use of vitamin supplements and certain herbal supplements
* Tumors of the liver or bile duct
