GOT blood transaminase (AST) blood test

Index

  • What are transaminases?
  • Analysis of GOT (AST)
  • Low transaminases
  • How to lower transaminases

When we perform a routine blood test (that is, one that we do every year in order to discover our health status), there are a series of elements or parameters that are included in a basic way, since they are especially useful to know if certain organs of our body are functioning correctly, or if on the contrary we can suffer some type of disorder or condition.

One of those organs whose function is usually studied in blood analysis is the liver, divided into different parameters such as transaminases in its different and different variants, the bilirubin and the one known as albumin(and total protein).

In the particular case of transaminases, we find enzymes produced in cells from different parts of our body (muscles, kidneys, heart and brain), but especially in the liver. In this way, its elevation is useful and relevant from a medical point of view, by helping to discover the functional state of the liver.

This is due to the fact that when some liver disease causes an injury of the hepatocytes (that is, the cells of the liver), the enzymes increase in the blood.

What is GOT transaminase (AST)?

It is understood by GOT an enzyme with great concentration in different organs of our body, usually the most important and vital of the organism: heart and liver, and finally in the muscles.

It is also known by other names, such as glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase,  SGOT Or simply aspartate aminotransferase(or AST). In fact, it is usual that in the results of the blood analysis we find it as GOT or simply AST.

When an injury to some of these organs occurs, the GOT It is released into the blood, appearing high in blood tests.

Usually, the test of GOT transaminase It is done in conjunction with other liver tests, being used to evaluate liver disorders or problems, as well as a possible indicator of cardiac injury.

Why GOT transaminase rises

There are certain diseases that can occur with the elevation of GOT transaminase in the blood. Of these, some tend to be more common than they think (for example, it could be the case fatty liver), while others are rather rare or less common.

We indicate below which are the main causes of GOT transaminase elevation:

  • Hepatic steatosis:Popularly known as fatty liver, it consists of the excessive accumulation of fat in this organ, usually caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, high levels of high cholesterol, diabetes or overweight. Failure to treat can cause liver inflammation and cirrhosis.
  • Viral hepatitis:It consists of inflammation of the liver as a result of the infection of certain viruses. They are known as hepatitis A, B, E and C. In the case of acute hepatitis A and E viruses tend to heal spontaneously.
  • Consumption of alcohol:Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is directly related to liver damage.
  • Heart failure:It consists of a condition in which the heart is not able to pump blood as it should. As a result, the body does not meet its needs for both oxygen and blood.
  • Liver cancer: It is a disease in which cancerous (malignant) cells form in the tissues of the liver. Some liver conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis can increase the risk of suffering it.

Normal GOT transaminase values

When it comes to knowing what the normal values ​​of GOT, it is necessary to bear in mind that intense physical exercise can lead to an increase in GOT levels in the blood test itself.

At the same time also various medications (such as hypertensive, oral anticoagulants, oral contraceptives or aspirin) can also alter their values.

In any case, the GOT values they are low in vitamin deficiencies or in pregnancy, and in other determined circumstances.

  • Normal values ​​of GOT are considered to be figures that range from 5 to 32 mU / ml.

The high values ​​of GOTAs indicated above, they can indicate various health problems, among which alcoholism, hemolytic anemia, cirrhosis, cholestasis, hepatitis, viral infections, myocardial infarction or acute pancreatitis. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.ThemesBlood test

Important Liver Values Albumin, ALT, ALP & AST (April 2024)