Why do I have increased levels of cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoprotein), SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) and SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase)?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had been advised by my doctor to get a few tests done. My laboratory results have come and I am worried about the cholesterol and liver enzymes results. I am currently on tablet Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) medication. As my general physician is not available, can you please suggest on this?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern,

According to your statement, you have recently undergone liver function tests, CBC (complete blood count) as well as lipid profile tests and found raised levels of cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) and SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase).

Your cholesterol, LDL, SGPT and SGOT levels are not so high to indicate any specific abnormality. One blood picture does not confirm anything. Test results may vary from one laboratory to another laboratory due to sample collection technique, examination methods, use of reagents and many more.

Lifestyle modifications like weight reduction in case of being obese, proper rest and sleep, plenty of fluids intake, avoiding alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, avoiding fatty and oily foods as well as dairy products, etc., may help to return your slightly raised parameters to a normal range. I suggest you to repeat your liver function tests and lipid profile one to two months later from two different laboratories. If you notice the abnormal results from two different laboratories, then consult your doctor and do the needful.

Hope this was helpful. Kindly revert for more queries.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Slightly raised ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) levels do not reflect the function of the liver or confirm any liver diseases. Four-fold increase of AST or ALT level from normal range is significant. But your present slightly raised liver function tests do not confirm any liver disease. Again, raised AST as well as ALT and low albumin level may indicate any type of liver disease. But your albumin level is not low. Slightly raised liver function tests may result from fatty liver, medications like Acetaminophen or Statins, erratic lifestyle, alcohol consumption, pregnancy and many more. So I think your slightly raised ALT as well as AST levels are not serious and can go back to their normal range within a short period of time. I suggest you to repeat your liver function tests after a month.

Hope this was helpful. Kindly revert for further queries.

Regards.