Although seeing a specialist if we are diagnosed with high GGT in a blood test is important, these levels may be due to different factors and are not definitive.
GGT stands for gamma-glutamyl transferase, also known as ‘gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.’ This is an enzyme with special functions in liver cells. High GGT can be a sign of liver disease or bile duct problems.
Enzymes are kept at normal values in optimal health conditions. But, once they rise, they can reflect, together with other suggestive symptoms, some pathology. In this order of ideas, in the case of having high GGT, it is necessary to know the causes.
Likewise, we must pay attention to this sign to prevent the appearance or development of diseases, especially those related to harmful lifestyle habits. In this way, we will maintain all the functions of the liver at their maximum efficiency.
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How is a high GGT value defined?
Knowing the levels of GGT can greatly help determine the state of health and, ultimately, liver function. To find out, a blood test is performed in which the value of said enzyme is reflected. The normal ranges in which the gamma-glutamyl transferase would be located include 0 to 51 units per liter. Although this figure usually changes depending on the laboratory. Fortunately, the test does not require special preparation and is quick to perform. It will only be necessary to take a small blood sample from a vein in the arm to conduct the analysis. The biggest discomfort reported by people is a slight puncture at the time of taking the sample. The said enzyme can suggest liver diseases. And despite being a non-specific value, it can help determine the problem affecting health in general.What can lead to high GGT?
When the results of the corresponding test show the GGT higher than it should, it may indicate liver damage, which in turn could be due to several conditions:- Diabetes.
- Tumors.
- Hepatitis.
- Infectious foci in the liver.
- Cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism.
- Drugs with hepatic metabolism.
- Heart failure.
- Pancreatitis.
1. Cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism
High GGT values may be due to frequent and large amounts of alcohol, even after drinking the night before. In these cases, the GGT values rise significantly, but they only do so temporarily until the alcohol levels completely disappear from the blood. However, when the intake is chronic, the levels remain high permanently. This is due to liver damage built up from the cells. In turn, These are being affected by the GGT activity deficit, reflected in such a way in the blood test.2. Medications
There are several drugs that, with other indications, have alternate pharmacological effects and can elevate liver enzymes, causing the GGT to be elevated. These drugs include:- Statins: responsible for lowering cholesterol.
- Amiodarone: medicine to control the heartbeat correctly. This, in turn, elevates transaminases, the main liver enzymes.
- Tetracyclines: due to their metabolism in the liver, these antibiotics can cause the GGT to be high, even more so in periods of pregnancy.
- Anticonvulsants: especially phenytoin and valproic acid.
3. Heart failure
High GGT in heart failure is a highly sensitive marker, as its increase reflects its severity. For this reason, it has been taken into account to describe the course of the disease and its progression. The cell’s life wears out with the high uric acid levels, which is characteristic of this chronic pathology. This describes the main pump of heart failure with advanced progression.4. Diabetes
This disease is related to a metabolic process that compromises the pancreas and the liver. In diabetes, GGT is high in the blood test results. This is due to the irregular number of hormones secreted uncontrollably at elevated blood glucose levels. Additionally, with the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus, there are constant changes in liver tests, mainly high GGT. The constant levels of lipids or fats in the body cause toxic effects that predispose to the elevation of this enzyme. However, liver enzymes return to their normal range once blood glucose is controlled.5. Hepatitis and other liver infections
Hepatitis is an infectious disease produced by multiple viruses that directly affects liver cells, causing inflammation of this organ. In this way, the cells do not function properly, which alters their metabolism and generates the presence of alt GGT. Something similar occurs with other infectious processes affecting the organ, such as liver abscesses. In this case, there may be destruction of hepatocytes and the consequent elevation of GGT.6. Tumors
Tumors or neoplasms appear due to abnormal growth of cells in any tissue. A tumor in the liver can cause high GGT since the number and size of the hepatocytes will increase. Also, these cells have abnormal metabolism and increased enzyme values. Tumors in other nearby organs can also cause a high GGT. This is because they can compress the liver and affect its proper function.7. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is nothing more than inflammation and subsequent necrosis of pancreatic tissue. Despite many causes, studies show up to 40% of cases are associated with gallstones. In this sense, the pancreas can become inflamed due to the obstruction of the bile ducts, which will cause damage to the liver if it is maintained for a long time. And, as we have already said throughout the article, liver damage can be reflected in a high GGT.Other causes of elevated GGT
The causes mentioned above are the most common factors that can lead to a high GGT. However, there are other conditions capable of generating this sign, among which the following stand out:- Obstruction of the bile ducts.
- Liver failure.
- Hepatic ischemia.
- Infectious mononucleosis.
- Reyes syndrome.
- Prostate cancer.
- Fatty liver.
- Consumption of drugs.
- Excess magnesium.
- Obesity.
- Tobacco use.
When is high GGT suspected?
GGT elevation has multiple causes, most of them related to liver damage. In this sense, the doctor may indicate the measurement of this enzyme if the following symptoms occur:- Fatigue and weakness.
- Jaundice.
- Loss of appetite.
- Abdominal pain or swelling.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- dark urine
- Itching or pruritus