Originally posted by Mindy
Liver enzymes, such as the ones described here, enter the bloodstream in increased quantities when the cells that make them become damaged. For example SGPT and SGOT are made by hepatocytes (liver cells). When the hepatocytes are damaged by toxins (e.g. drugs or alcohol), infectious agents (e.g. viral hepatitis, mononucleosis), or decreased drainage of bile (e.g gallstone disease), then they become "leaky" causing the enzymes that normally reside in the interior of the cells to spill into the blood stream. This accounts for the "high liver enymes" seen in your blood. I apologize to the medical purists for this gross simplification, BTW.
Do you drink alcohol excessively? Do you take any other over the counter or illicit drugs (particularly anything your doctor would not be aware of)? Consider stopping these for a few weeks before seeing your family doc. Have your enzymes rechecked. If they return to normal, you may have your cause. If your enzymes are still high, your doctor may need to look a little harder for a cause. BUT, keep in mind that there are many reasons your liver enzymes may be elevated, and much of the time it is nothing more than a curiosity which "cures" itself over time. So...follow-up with your doctor of course, but don't worry yourself to tears that you have some rare incurable disease. And if you are a regular, moderate- to-heavy drinker (>2 drinks or so most days of the week) or pot-smoker, etc...stop.
Mindy
P.S. A note to KYGRL: The heart and the liver are not isolated organs. A heart problem can cause blood to pool in the liver with subsequent damage to hepatocytes and an increase in serum liver enzymes.