Question 1

What does it mean to have high levels of liver enzymes?

Accepted Answer

High levels of liver enzymes often indicate inflammation or damage to cells in the liver. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream, showing increased liver enzymes on blood tests.

Question 2

Does cirrhosis always appear on blood tests (ALT/AST)?

Accepted Answer

No not always. However, one can rely on the AST/ALT ratio. An AST/ALT ratio higher than one (where the AST is higher than ALT) means you may have cirrhosis. An AST/ALT ratio higher than 2:1 (where the AST is more than twice as high as the ALT) is a sign of alcoholic liver disease.

Question 3

What foods are good for liver repair?

Accepted Answer

Many foods contain specific compounds or antioxidants that have been shown to support liver function. A few examples include grapefruit, blueberries, cranberries, fatty fish, olive oil, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or brussels sprouts.

Question 4

What are the small functions of the liver?

Accepted Answer

The liver is the storage location for fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, the liver plays a role in heme breakdown into unconjugated bilirubin and conjugates it.

Question 5

How does blood enter the liver?

Accepted Answer

The liver receives a blood supply from two sources. The first is the hepatic artery which delivers oxygenated blood from the general circulation. The second is the hepatic portal vein delivering deoxygenated blood from the small intestine containing nutrients.

Question 6

What is the role of prothrombin?

Accepted Answer

Prothrombin is one of the key proteins in the blood coagulation system.

What does it mean to have high levels of liver enzymes?

What does it mean to have high levels of liver enzymes?

Related Questions

Does cirrhosis always appear on blood tests (ALT/AST)?

What foods are good for liver repair?

What are the small functions of the liver?

How does blood enter the liver?

What is the role of prothrombin?

LIVER FUNCTION TEST (LFT)

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