Elevated Liver Enzymes (ALT/AST)

Alanine aminotranferease (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are enzymes located in liver cells that leak out into circulating blood when liver cells are injured.

ALT and AST are found in other cells in the body, but their concentration is highest in liver cells. ALT and AST are also found in heart, skeletal muscle, and red blood cells. Certain medications, such as those taken to lower cholesterol, can have a damaging effect on the liver. These enzymes are often monitored in patients who are taking these medications.

Cholesterol-lowering medications

Some cholesterol-lowering medications include:

Statins:

• Lipitor®
• Zocor®
• Mevacor®
• Pravachol®
• Lescol®
• Crestor®
• Advicor®
• Caduet®
• Vytorin®
• lovastatin
• pravastatin
• simvastatin

Fibrates:

• Tricor®
• Lopid®
• gemfibrozil

Nicotinic Acid