Does Fatty Liver Cause Elevated ALT Levels?

Fatty liver can indeed lead to increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a key liver enzyme. ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are commonly used markers to assess liver health. There are two primary types of fatty liver disease:

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease – this form is typically associated with heavy alcohol consumption and can lead to early liver damage if not addressed.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – this type is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, including conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance.

Fatty liver disease can progress through several stages. Initially, it may appear as simple fatty liver, where fat accumulates in the liver but does not cause significant damage. Imaging tests such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scans can detect these early morphological changes in the liver tissue.

If the condition progresses, it can develop into fatty liver inflammation or steatohepatitis. At this stage, liver enzymes like ALT and AST often rise, indicating liver cell injury. This phase is more serious and can lead to fibrosis or scarring of the liver.

Without proper intervention, a portion of patients with fatty liver inflammation may eventually develop fatty cirrhosis, a late-stage liver disease characterized by severe scarring and loss of liver function. Early detection and lifestyle changes are crucial in preventing this progression.