Liver is one of the most important organs of the body. Its primary function is detoxification, metabolization of fat, carbohydrates and protein, hormones, Stable blood sugar level, formation of ketones and aiding digestion.
Know Your Liver With SGOT and SGPT Test
Liver is one of the most important organs of the body. Its primary function is detoxification, metabolization of fat, carbohydrates and protein, hormones, Stable blood sugar level, formation of ketones and aiding digestion.
Fatty liver, liver cirrhosis and other liver diseases are quite common these days. When the liver gets damaged or injured or if it produces excess enzymes then the level of SGOT and SGPT become elevated.
Enzymes produced by the liver are
SGOT (Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) / Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
SGPT (Serum Glutamic- pyruvic transaminase)/
Normal range of SGOT and SGPT
SGPT- 7-56 units/litre of serum
SGOT- 5-50 units/ litre of serum
Causes of high SGOT and SGPT level
Elevated SGOT and SGPT level indicates potential damage or dysfunction of liver. The underlying causes of liver damage include
Alcohol Abuse
Excess consumption of alcohol causes liver damage. Alcoholic liver disease occurs after years of heavy drinking. With time scarring and cirrhosis can occur. Liver cirrhosis is the final stage of alcoholic liver disease.
Due to damage to the liver Level of SGOT and SGPT in blood increases.
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is a condition when extra fat is deposited in the liver.
It can be Two Types
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Alcohol-related fatty liver disease (ALD)
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic hepatitis and auto-immune hepatitis.
Hepatitis can cause inflammation of the liver and result in high ALT and AST.
Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is an end-stage liver disease which causes abnormal functioning of the liver. It is caused by the formation of scar tissue known as fibrosis which causes permanent damage to the liver.
Medications
Few medicines and prolonged use of antibiotics, statins (medicine to reduce cholesterol) and analgesic (pain killer) causes hepatotoxicity which causes liver damage and high levels of SGOT and SGPT.
Other factors which causes increase in level of SGOT and SGPT
- Heart attack
- Diabetes
- Epstein barr virus
- Inflammation of gallbladder
- Obesity
- Celiac disease
- Hemolysis
- Polymyositis
- Cancer
What Happens When SGOT and SGPT Is High?
High SGPT and SGOT level indicates various complications in the body.
Let’s discuss about the danger of elevated SGPT and SGOT
Some expected complications are
- Jaundice
- Vomiting and nausea
- Swelling in legs
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Bruises
Treatment of High SGOT and SGPT
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of elevated SGOT and SGPT level. Physicians can treat by two means either medication or liver transplant.
Medicinal treatment in case of viral illness like hepatitis or Wilson’s disease
In case of permanent damage, liver transplant is recommended.
10 Ways to Prevent Liver Disease
- SGOT and SGPT level can be maintained and controlled by the following methods-
- Choose healthy lifestyle
- Maintain balance diet
- Exercise daily
- Reduce weight in case of obesity
- Increase Vitamin D in your diet by including eggs, tofu, green vegetables, dairy products and milk
- Avoid too much salt
- Never self medicate
- Restrict alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking
Conclusion
Elevated SGOT and SGPT levels can be a valuable diagnostic indicator of various health issues, including liver disease, heart problems, muscle damage and more. For more detailed evaluation of liver best blood test is LFT (Liver Function test)
Early diagnosis is best for a healthy life. If you get an abnormal test result, it is essential to consult with your doctor who gives you comprehensive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Symptoms of Elevated SGPT Level?
Symptoms of high SGPT includes
- Weakness
- Jaundice
- Excessive bleeding
- Bruising Shortness of breath
What Are the Symptoms of High SGOT Level?
- Weight Loss
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Dark colour urine
- Pale colour stool
- Swelling in ankles
How Do I Know My Liver Is Normal?
Liver blood test measures the level of proteins, enzymes and bilirubin. Elevated SGOT and SGPT indicate damage or inflammation of the liver.
Is SGOT and SGPT High in Alcoholics?
SGOT and SGPT increased in alcoholic hepatitis and in fatty liver disease.
What Are the Signs of Fatty Liver?
- A dull pain in the right upper side of the tummy
- Extreme tiredness and weakness
- Weight loss
When Should Anyone Require SGOT and SGPT?
If an individual is suffering from any liver disease or has a history of liver damage, then the SGOT and SGPT test is important. Doctors may advise you if you have any signs of jaundice, dark urine, and belly pain.
SGOT and SGPT are commonly tested as a part of routine health check-ups.
What Happens During SGOT and SGPT Tests?
A skilled healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from a vein in the arm. There are no special preparations required for the SGOT and SGPT test.
