Lab marker · High

High Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): what it means

A Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) result above the normal range is considered high. Here is what a raised Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.

Reference range: Approximately 8–40 U/L; lab-specific

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What a high Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) can mean

  • Liver injury — viral hepatitis, NAFLD, drug-induced liver injury, alcohol.
  • AST/ALT ratio > 2 — classic for alcohol-related liver disease.
  • Cardiac injury — historically used for myocardial infarction (troponin replaced this role).
  • Skeletal muscle injury — rhabdomyolysis, recent very strenuous exercise.
  • Haemolysis — red blood cells contain AST.

When to discuss with a doctor

AST elevation alongside ALT elevation warrants follow-up with the rest of the liver panel and a primary-care visit. Very-high AST without a corresponding ALT rise should prompt a check of CK (muscle injury) and the haemolysis panel. AST >1000 U/L is acute liver injury and needs same-day evaluation.

Conditions this can relate to

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Mediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.