Ever see 'AST' on your lab report and wonder what it means? It’s a key enzyme that signals your liver and overall health.
AST rises when liver, heart, or muscle cells are damaged. It’s like a health alert telling your doctor something’s up inside.
Doctors may order an AST test to check routine health, investigate symptoms like fatigue, or monitor liver conditions closely.
To get accurate results, fast before the test and avoid alcohol or heavy exercise the day before your blood draw.
Your test shows how much AST is in your blood. Normal range is typical, but high levels need closer attention from your doctor.
A moderately high AST often points to slow-progressing issues like fatty liver disease – a gentle warning to watch your health.
A very high AST means sudden stress — maybe from a viral infection, injury, toxin, or medication effect. It needs quick follow-up.
AST and ALT levels tell a story together. Their ratio helps doctors pinpoint causes of liver trouble with better precision.
If AST is much higher than ALT, it’s often a sign of alcohol-related liver damage—a pattern doctors look out for carefully.
When ALT is higher, it usually indicates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – common and manageable with healthy habits.
Don’t worry if your AST is high. Usually, doctors repeat tests and plan the best steps to protect and improve your liver health.
Understanding AST helps you take charge of your health. It’s not just a number—it’s your body’s way of talking to you.