High ALT or AST levels may be a sign of a liver problem. When these two enzymes are compared, their levels can help identify the presence of liver toxins and liver disease/damage.
While it may appear that a high level of either AST or ALT may be enough to diagnose liver disease, the relationship of the two (AST:ALT ratio) can often pinpoint exactly what is going on.
The ratio also determines whether the condition is acute or chronic. An acute injury/condition will see a sudden spike in ALT, whereas, if it is a slower-progressing, chronic illness other organs will also become damaged, and AST levels will rise.
However, the ratio may be high when both AST and ALT are in the optimal range.
If both markers are in the optimal range, then the ratio cannot be used as diagnostic.
High ALT or AST levels may be a sign of a liver problem. When these two enzymes are compared, their levels can help identify the presence of liver toxins and liver disease/damage.
While it may appear that a high level of either AST or ALT may be enough to diagnose liver disease, the relationship of the two (AST:ALT ratio) can often pinpoint exactly what is going on.
The ratio also determines whether the condition is acute or chronic. An acute injury/condition will see a sudden spike in ALT, whereas, if it is a slower-progressing, chronic illness other organs will also become damaged, and AST levels will rise.
However, the ratio may be high when both AST and ALT are in the optimal range.
If both markers are in the optimal range, then the ratio cannot be used as diagnostic.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/liver-enzymes-1759916#toc-astalt-ratio
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2857631/
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