An AST test measures the level of aspartate aminotransferase in your blood. AST is an enzyme that is normally present in the liver, heart, brain, pancreas, kidneys, and many other muscles and tissues in the body.

What does it mean when your AST level is high?

High levels of AST in the blood may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, mononucleosis, or other liver diseases. High AST levels can also indicate heart problems or pancreatitis. If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have a medical condition needing treatment.

What causes high ALT and AST levels?

Chronic alcohol consumption, drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and chronic viral hepatitis are common causes associated with raised ALT and AST. In chronic viral hepatitis, the elevation of liver enzyme may not correlate well with the degree of liver damage.