Aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT, AST) is an intracellular enzyme found in the liver, heart muscle, skeletal muscle, kidney, and red blood cells. The biochemical test that determines the activity of AST in the blood allows, above all, to diagnose liver diseases.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT, AST)is usually found in trace amounts in the blood. It enters the blood when the cell is damaged. If thebiochemical testreveals its increased activity, it usually means that we are dealing with one of the liver diseases.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST, GOT, AST): Standards

The standard for aspartate aminotransferase ranges from 5 to 40 U / L.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT, AST): increased activity

Increase in AST activity in the range from 400 to 4000 U / l may indicate:

  • myocardial infarction, with the highest levels between 4 and 6 hours after the infarction, and the increased activity persists for another 3 days. However, in the case of minor heart attacks, the value of this enzyme may remain at the correct level
  • acute rheumatoid myocarditis

You can also experience increased activity after cardiac surgery, angiocardiography of blood vessels and the heart, and after intensive heart massage.

Increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase may be a sign of liver problems, such as:

  • viral hepatitis
  • toxic liver damage with chemicals
  • cholangitis
Important

The ratio of AST to ALT allows you to calculate the de Ritis index whose value above or below one is suggestive of certain liver diseases.

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