One of the most critical organs of the body is your liver, and the health of your liver is usually assessed by two of the most significant blood tests: SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase) and SGOT (Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase). Both are enzymes that deal with critical metabolic functions in liver cells. But when they rise in the blood, they may reflect liver distress or injury. So, the actual level of danger for SGPT and SGOT, and when to worry? Let’s break it down in this guide and understand the danger level of sgpt and sgot. You can also ask your questions on online platforms like Askdocdoc, where you’ll get reliable and helpful answers.
What Do SGPT and SGOT Levels Mean?
SGPT and SGOT are enzymes located mostly within liver cells. They spill over into the bloodstream when liver cells are injured as a result of diseases like hepatitis, fatty liver condition, alcoholic liver damage, or even certain medicines. Although SGPT is more liver-specific, SGOT occurs in cardiac and muscular tissue too. Either enzyme’s abnormal level is most commonly an initial sign that something is amiss with your liver or nearby tissues.
What is a Normal Range for SGPT and SGOT?
The normal range of SGPT (also referred to as ALT) is 7 to 56 U/L, and of SGOT (also referred to as AST) is 8 to 45 U/L in the majority of adults. The results could differ slightly based on laboratory criteria as well as the patient’s age, gender, and medical history. Minor variations within the normal range are generally not a cause for concern as long as there are no corresponding symptoms. Extensive deviation from these values is a cause for concern, however.
When Do SGPT and SGOT Become Damaging?
The concentration of SGPT and SGOT becomes damaging when they are several times more than the upper limit of the normal value. For example, if SGPT is over 150 U/L and SGOT is over 120 U/L, there can be severe inflammation or damage to the liver. In acute hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver, these figures are hundreds and thousands. Very high figures, especially with associated symptoms such as jaundice, weakness, or pain in the abdomen, need urgent treatment by a doctor. Chronic levels consistently elevated but without symptoms also present a risk, as it may be indicative of silently progressive chronic liver disease.
What Raises SGPT and SGOT Levels?
There are various factors responsible for elevated levels of these enzymes. Viral infections such as hepatitis A, B, or C are some of the most frequent offenders. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), rapidly spreading in India with an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise, is yet another prominent etiology. Alcohol use, some medications such as analgesics or antibiotics, and even prolonged starvation or excessive physical exercise may also raise SGPT and SGOT temporarily. In occasional instances, heart disease or muscle damage may produce a single reagent elevation of SGOT.
What Do You Do If Your Liver Enzyme Levels Are High?
The very first thing to do is visit a medical specialist who will examine your entire liver function profile, medical history, and way of life. Your doctor may recommend other tests, such as an ultrasound, a fibroscan, or viral marker tests, to determine the reason. It’s important not to panic, however, because elevated enzymes do not constitute a diagnosis. A damaged liver can be reversed or managed if it is detected early, and by changing your way of life.
If you’re unsure what to do with your SGPT and SGOT test results, AskDocDoc provides detailed, doctor-approved content interpreting puzzling lab results. Their articles discuss causes, warning signals, and treatment suggestions for most liver problems—so you can take control of your healthcare. Rely on AskDocDoc for clear information, vetted by doctors, and carefully prepared.
