SGPT, or Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, is an enzyme mostly found in your liver. You might also know it as ALT, or Alanine Aminotransferase. Whatever you call it, SGPT (or ALT) is an important marker of liver health.
When you get a blood test, doctors check your SGPT levels to see if your liver is damaged or inflamed.
This article will explain what it means if you have high SGPT levels, what could be causing them, what symptoms you might experience, and how doctors diagnose and treat the underlying issue. The goal is to help you understand why it’s important to catch and manage elevated SGPT levels early on, before they lead to serious liver problems.
What is SGPT and why is it important?
SGPT, short for serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, is more formally known as alanine aminotransferase, or ALT. It’s an enzyme that’s mainly produced in your liver, but you’ll also find it in smaller amounts in other organs throughout your body.
Your liver performs many essential functions, including helping your body digest food, store energy, and remove toxins from your bloodstream. Measuring the level of SGPT in your blood can tell your healthcare team a lot about how well your liver is working.
SGPT tests are typically ordered to look for possible liver damage or disease, to track the health of your liver over time, and to assess how certain medications are affecting your liver. Often, an SGPT test is just one part of a larger liver function test, or LFT, that can provide a more complete picture of your liver’s health.
What causes elevated SGPT levels?
A number of conditions and factors can lead to elevated SGPT levels. Here are some of the most common:
Liver diseases
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) are common culprits, as are all types of hepatitis (A, B, C, alcoholic, auto-immune). Liver cirrhosis, which is a late-stage liver disease, can also cause SGPT to rise.
Lifestyle factors
Drinking too much alcohol is a major risk factor for liver damage and elevated SGPT. Being obese or eating a diet high in fat can also lead to fatty liver disease and a corresponding rise in SGPT.
Other medical conditions and factors
Diabetes, high cholesterol, and even some muscle disorders can affect SGPT levels. Certain medications (especially those that are considered hepatotoxic) and environmental toxins can also damage the liver and cause SGPT to increase.
If your SGPT levels are elevated, your doctor will likely order additional tests to determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate course of treatment.
What are the symptoms of high SGPT?
In the early stages, you may not notice any symptoms at all.
But as liver damage increases, you may experience:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Changes in the color of your urine or stool (dark urine, pale stools)
- Itching
These symptoms are signs that your liver may not be working properly. If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible.
How are high SGPT levels diagnosed?
Usually, high SGPT levels show up on a routine blood test. But if your doctor thinks you have liver damage, they may order a liver function test (LFT). The SGPT/ALT test is one type of LFT.
If your LFT results come back high, your doctor may want to take a closer look at your liver using:
- Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. These imaging tests can help your doctor see the shape and condition of your liver.
- Liver biopsy. In rare cases, your doctor may want to take a small sample of your liver tissue for closer examination.
What’s considered a normal SGPT range?
SGPT levels are measured in units per liter (U/L). The typical range is 7 to 56 U/L, but it can differ depending on the lab and the person.
Some labs use slightly different ranges for men (10-40 U/L) and women (7-35 U/L).
When you get your results, it’s important to look at the reference range provided by the testing lab. That will help you understand what’s considered normal in your specific case.
Managing and lowering high SGPT levels
If your SGPT levels are higher than they should be, there are several changes you can make to bring them back down to normal.
Lifestyle modifications
- Cut back on or eliminate alcohol.
- Eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Dietary considerations
- Add liver-friendly foods like leafy greens, turmeric, garlic, and berries to your diet.
- Limit processed foods, sugary beverages, and high-fat foods.
Medical treatments
- If your high SGPT is caused by viral hepatitis, your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs.
- Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help manage underlying conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol.
How to prevent liver disease and keep your SGPT levels healthy
You can do a lot to protect your liver and keep your SGPT levels in a healthy range:
- Live a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid toxins: Limit how much alcohol you drink, avoid medications you don’t need, and protect yourself from environmental toxins.
- Get vaccinated: Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B and C.
- Get regular check-ups: Ask your doctor to check your liver function regularly, especially if you have risk factors for liver disease.
In Conclusion
Understanding your SGPT level is an important part of protecting your liver health. If your SGPT is high, early detection, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments can help prevent liver damage.
If you’re concerned about your SGPT level, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you create a personalized plan to promote liver health.