Understanding High Liver Function Test Results: Causes & What They Mean

Elevated levels of enzymes show up in a person's blood when they escape from the liver. There are a variety of reasons for this phenomenon.

Features

• Enzyme levels are typically elevated when liver cells are damaged. According to Dr. Sandra Cabot, a liver doctor, the causes of this damage range in severity depending on the particular enzyme that is elevated.

Considerations

• High liver level test results are not a reflection on the organ's function. They simply determine that liver damage has occurred or that other problems exist, according to the AIDS Treatment Data Network.

Liver Problems

• Causes of liver damage, especially when gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is elevated, include obesity, heavy drinking, a fatty liver or certain medications.

Other Problems

• When alkaline phosphatase is found to be elevated in a liver function test it could indicate, in addition to liver damage, problems with bones, intestines or kidneys.

Significance

• One of the most significant causes of high liver function test results is the presence of bilirubin. This is a yellow fluid produced in the liver that can leak when red blood cells are broken and can eventually cause jaundice.