high ALT levels - liver problems?

[missbliss]

Hi there... we had a health screening at work where they took our blood to test various things like cholesterol, glucose, calcium levels, triglycerides, etc etc... I noticed that my ALT level is 58 and the normal range says it should be less than 44.  I am a 27 year old woman and am frightened that I might have damaged my liver.  Is 58 a number i should be worried about?  I do not take any medications but have been known to drink (sometimes a lot) on the weekends.  Any advice you could provide me would be much appreciated.  Thanks.

[demtlard]

I forgot to mention, you should go get an ultra sound to see if you have a fatty liver or other issues.

[hbp702]

It could be something or it could be nothing. See a doctor. Chances are good that you have NO inflammation of the liver so don't panic. Your Dr. should do a hepatitis scan just in case.

NO ALCOHOL or heavy exercise anytime near getting liver blood tests!!!

That can cause false positives.

Have your Dr. check your iron levels, even in women hemochromatosis can occur. It can do serious damage or even kill IF UNTREATED. If treated you live a normal life - and the treatment saves other's lives - regular blood donation to remove iron - they do accept hemochromatosis blood now. http://www.fda.gov/cber/faq/bldfaq.htm#hem

[demtlard]

58 is above normal, yes, but not disasterous, though it could be a warning sign.  You need to think about what you eat, drink and do, such as exercise, etc. If you have a high fat diet or drink a lot of alcohol then it could affect the liver.  Drinking will raise your levels, I suggest you lay off for awhile.  When numbers go in the the hundreds than you really need to start to worry, but 58 is quite minor, but it could be a warning sign if you do not get things under control.