What does the Aspartate Aminotransferase - AST blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
AST is an enzyme found primarily in the liver and heart. This test measures the amount of AST in the blood, which can indicate liver or muscle damage. Elevated levels may suggest liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other conditions affecting the liver. It's also useful in monitoring liver function during treatment of liver disorders or when taking medications that can affect the liver. AST levels can rise due to heart attacks, muscle injuries, or intense exercise. The test is often performed alongside ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) to provide a more comprehensive assessment of liver health.
Low AST levels are generally not a cause for concern. In rare cases, extremely low AST might indicate:
However, these conditions typically present with other symptoms and abnormalities in other tests. A low AST alone is usually not indicative of a specific health issue and may simply reflect individual variation.
Elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage or disease. Possible causes include:
The extent of elevation and results of other tests help determine the underlying cause. Persistent high AST levels warrant further investigation to identify and address the root cause.