With the purpose of prescribing therapy for a number of diseases, the doctor, along with a general blood test, appoints a biochemical blood test for AST. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST or AST) is an enzyme that promotes complete amino acid metabolism. The blood test for AST is performed to diagnose diseases associated with impaired functioning of the liver, kidneys, heart muscle, skeletal muscles and other organs.
AST blood test - norm
In the blood, the AST enzyme is detected if there are many destroyed cells in the body. The elevated level of ACT signals the course of pathological processes.
The norm of the AST content in the blood depends on the patient's sex:
- in women, the indicator is within 31 U / l;
- for men the normal figure is up to 41 U / l.
AST in the blood is elevated
Exceeding the AST rate by 2 to 5 times is considered moderate, in 6-10 times - an average increase, a greater excess is a high increase.
Even without making an analysis, for some of the symptoms, it can be assumed that AST is above normal. The signs of exceeding the AST indicators are:
- nervousness;
- insomnia;
- general weakness;
- itching;
- lack of appetite and weight loss;
- discoloration of feces and darkening of urine;
- edematous phenomena;
- change in the color of the skin (appearance of a yellowish hue);
- nausea;
- temperature increase.
Most often the level of AST in blood analysis is increased in the case of myocardial infarction. Moreover, the larger the necrotic focus in the myocardium, the greater the level of the enzyme in the blood plasma. Also, the increase in AST is observed with the following diseases:
- hepatitis;
- liver cancer;
- rheumatic heart disease;
- angina pectoris;
- heart failure ;
- pancreatitis.
The level of AST in the blood is increased and with injuries to the muscles of the skeleton, heat stroke, burns, alcohol and drug intoxication, vitamin B6 deficiency. A slight increase can be detected with the use of certain medications, including antibiotics, contraceptives, sedatives (echinacea, valerian, etc.), physical overwork.
Decrease in AST
To bring the indicators back to normal, it is necessary to perform systemic treatment of the underlying disease. The following measures were also aimed at reducing the indicators:
- Inclusion in the diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and other products that contain fiber and vitamin C.
- Observance of the drinking regime, it is useful to drink green teas and herbal preparations with the content of milk thistle , burdock roots and dandelion.
- Taking a contrast shower.
- Lessons in respiratory gymnastics.