What does AST mean when its high?
High levels of AST in the blood may be a sign of hepatitis, cirrhosis, mononucleosis, or other liver diseases. High AST levels may also be a sign of heart problems or pancreatitis. If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn’t always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment.
What is an AST test used for?
The purpose of an AST blood test is to detect damage to cells. If cells in your liver are damaged, it can cause AST to leak into your blood, so an AST blood test can help find liver issues.
What is AST procedure?
The AST test is performed on a blood sample. A healthcare professional usually takes the sample from a vein in your arm or hand using a small needle. They collect the blood in a tube and send it to a lab for analysis. Your doctor will inform you about your results when they become available.
What causes a drop in AST?
Low AST levels may indicate: vitamin B6 deficiency. kidney disease. liver disease.
What causes elevated AST and ALT?
Chronic alcohol consumption, drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and chronic viral hepatitis are common causes associated with raised ALT and AST. In chronic viral hepatitis, the elevation of liver enzyme may not correlate well with the degree of liver damage.
What happens if ALT and AST are high?
If your AST levels are too high, it might be a sign of an injury affecting tissues other than the liver. High ALT levels may mean you have a liver injury. It could also be a sign that you have an infection or short-term illness. The ratio of the two enzymes can help diagnose specific liver diseases.
What if my AST is low?
The AST level in the blood is a bit low. Low AST values are usually a positive sign and they are not associated with any medical condition or disease. Only in case you have diabetes or you follow an unbalanced diet, it is advisable to visit your doctor.
What is the normal range for elevated AST?
Elevated AST Normal serum AST is 14-20 IU per liter in men and 10-36 IU per liter in women. When a blood test for AST indicates elevation above normal range, the indication is that damage may be present to one of the organs where AST is normally found.
What causes a moderate a level of a in AST?
A moderate AST elevation is not a serious concern, but the possible causes should be researched because it may be a first sign of liver problems. Alcohol intake is one of the main factors than can raise AST.
How does ZIP code 49307 compare to the rest of the country?
The median household income of $36,331 is compared to the rest of the country. It is also compared to nearby ZIP codes. While money isn’t everything, residents in ZIP code 49307 earn less than in other parts of town.
What does a high AST value of 100 mean?
A drug-induced liver injury can show extreme high AST values, even 100 times above the reference level. You must find urgent medical attention to avoid irreversible damage to your liver.