Were Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Elevated 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, elevating liver enzymes on blood tests.

What can cause falsely elevated liver enzymes?

In outpatients, liver issues related to alcohol or obesity and diabetes are most likely the cause of slightly elevated liver enzyme levels, followed by hepatitis B or C. So tests for these conditions, including an ultrasound of the liver to look for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, should be ordered first.

Do elevated liver enzymes always mean liver damage?

Normal liver enzymes, even over time, do not mean there is no liver damage. Raised liver enzymes do not always mean there is liver damage, but if they are persistently high this can be a sign of ongoing damage, and that treatment may be a good idea.