If you are taking a statin it is important that you get your liver enzymes checked.  The American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommend monitoring liver enzymes levels in patients before starting a statin in order to get a baseline, after 12 weeks of taking the medication, and then annually (or more) as prescribed by your physician.

What are liver enzymes?

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartatte aminotransferase (AST) are proteins that are normally found in the body. They can be found in several places but the normal concentration is in the liver. Enzymes are a type of chemical that help the body break down and use other substances.  There are normal amounts of these proteins in your liver all the time. What the test determines is if there is an elevated amount. An elevated amount can signal damage to the liver. One of the causes of this liver damage can be statins.

What does it mean if I have elevated liver enzymes?

Your doctor will need to know about your blood test right away.  As statins are one of the medications that can cause damage to the liver, your doctor may adjust your medication.  Once the medication is removed or reduced, the liver enzyme levels tend to get better.

Should I get the liver enzyme test if I am not on statins?

No, unless there is another medical reason to monitor you.  Your doctor will let you know if he or she needs this test. 

References: Pasternak RC, Smith SC, et.al. ACC/AHA.NHLBI Clinical Advisory on the Use and Safety of Statins.  Journal of the American College of Cardiology.  August 2002, Vol 40, No. 3: 567-72.

Learn more about elevated liver enzymes

SCHEDULE A SCREENING