Are my high GGT levels a sign of liver disease?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a question about my health results. I am 5 feet 11 inches tall and weigh 196 pounds.

All my results were satisfactory.

Total cholesterol: 214 mg/dL.
HDL: 53 mg/dL.
LDL: 149 mg/dL.
Triglycerides: 63 mg/dL.
AST: 20 U/L.
ALT: 39 U/L.
GGTP: 142 U/L

All other blood results are fine.

I go to the gym three times a week and use isolate protein. So I am active, but also a bit overweight because I like good food. I was at the gym before and was stressed a lot because of those tests. I did not drink alcohol before the test.

I have a few questions.

Could GGTP be high because before the test, in the evening, I had strong strength training at the gym?
After training I ate isolate protein. At night I took 20 mg Hydroxyzine. The next morning I went for the test. Is this GGT level dangerous for my life right now?
Is there anything that I should worry about?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Your test results show that most of your liver and cholesterol values are within normal or near-normal ranges, but GGTP (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) is elevated at 142 U/L. GGTP GGT can increase for several reasons, including liver or bile duct issues, certain medications, supplements, or even lifestyle factors.

Heavy exercise the evening before your test and protein supplementation usually do not cause such a rise, but Hydroxyzine and other medications can sometimes affect liver enzymes.

The good news is that your AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), and triglycerides are normal, which makes severe liver damage less likely at this point. This level is not immediately life-threatening, but it does mean your liver is under some stress.

Since you do not drink alcohol and your other results are fine, the elevation could be due to medications, fatty liver, which can happen if you are slightly overweight, or other non-urgent liver conditions.

I recommend repeating the test after at least a week of rest from heavy workouts and protein supplements to see if the value changes, and discuss the results with your doctor for further evaluation, such as an ultrasound if needed. For now, you do not need to panic, but it is wise to monitor and follow up.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.