GPT in a blood test refers to the concentration of GPT transaminase in the bloodstream, an enzyme primarily concentrated in the liver. However, it is also present in the kidneys, muscles, and heart. If some injury or disease occurs in any of these organs, the levels of GPT increase and can be perceived through an analysis.
The GPT test is usually performed with other liver tests, such as GOT, GGT, or alkaline phosphatase. It is used to diagnose and evaluate liver conditions and problems. If you want to know more about what the GPT is in a blood test, as well as its average values and what happens when it appears too high or low, keep reading the following article from FastlyHeal.
Table of Contents
What is the GPT in an analytic
GPT, also known as SGPT or glutamic-pyruvic transaminase Alanine aminotransferase (GPT ALT), is an enzyme mainly found in the liver and must be at low levels in the blood. In this way, the GPT ALT is measured to know if the liver suffers from any disease or problem because if so, blood levels skyrocket.
This test is used to:
- Diagnose liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.
- Support in stopping liver damage.
- Find out if jaundice is caused by a blood or liver disorder.
- Track certain medications that can damage the liver.
GPT, normal values
The normal values that we will explain are only a reference range, a kind of guide. Each laboratory can have its ranges, with some slight variations. The laboratory blood test should show the interval used. The doctor should evaluate the results obtained by comparing them with your general state of health and other factors such as age or sex. What we mean by this is that it may be that a value does not conform to those that we show you and that it is normal in the person:
- Normal GPT values in men: between 10 and 40 U / L or between 0.17 and 0.68 McKay / L.
- Normal GPT values in women: between 7 and 35 U / L or between 0.12 and 0.60 McKay / L.
In addition, another aspect that you should take into account is that some medications can alter GPT values; although there is no liver disease that is causing it, these medications are:
- Paracetamol
- Allopurinol
- Ampicillin
- Azathioprine
- Carbamazepine
- Cephalosporins
- Chlorpropamide
- Clofibrate
- Cloxacillin
- Codeine
- Indomethacin
- Isoniazid
- Acid methotrexate
- Nalidixic
- Nitrofurantoin
- Oral contraceptives
- Phenothiazine
- Phenytoin
- Procainamide
- Propanolol tetraciclina
High GPT; causes and symptoms
It is not possible to speak of symptoms of high transaminases, as this condition does not cause symptoms by itself but depends on the underlying pathology. In addition, many of these symptoms are not specific to a single disease but are familiar to a multitude of conditions. High GPT is not a disease; it is the consequence of a disease; it is one more symptom.
However, there are specific symptoms common to many liver conditions that cause an increase in GPT. These are the liver and high GPT symptoms :
- Pain in the upper right area of the abdomen.
- Feeling generally unwell
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness after eating and heavy digestion.
- Little desire to eat.
- Jaundice, yellow skin, and eyes.
- Urine darkens
- Stools clear.
Causes high GPT
- Liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.
- Lead poisoning.
- Exposure to carbon tetrachloride.
- Necrosis or decomposition of a tumor.
- Intake of certain medications.
- Accelerated growth, especially in young children.
It can also be the case that a healthy patient has high transaminases, especially if he takes any of the medications from the previous list.
Low GPT; causes and symptoms
When it is high, a low level of GPT does not present any symptoms, but in any case, the signs that there will be those caused by the condition or previous condition that causes it.
We must start from the basis that transaminases must be at low levels, which is normal, but if they present values lower than those considered normal, it can be due to many different conditions. The two main ones are the following:
- Vitamin B6 deficiency: this element is necessary for the functioning and development of liver enzymes. Whether due to a destructive lifestyle, poor diet, or some other disease, the lack of this vitamin causes a decrease in GPT values.
- Pregnancy: The level of transaminases falls during pregnancy.
How to lower GPT high
The healthiest thing is to purify the liver annually, for example, eating these foods to cleanse the liver, since the proper functioning of this organ is of vital importance. But if you are already late and your GPT levels have increased, here we explain how to lower them :
- Do not eat fat or processed food.
- Avoid delightful and very salty foods.
- Do not consume alcohol.
- Drink plenty of water, at least 2.5 liters a day.
- Eat fruit, avoiding those with many organic acids, such as strawberries, melon, or watermelon.
- Take one of these infusions to cleanse the liver.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is the GPT in a blood test , we recommend that you enter our category of Blood, heart and circulation .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.