A healthy liver plays a crucial role in the overall well-being, and enzymes like SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase) and SGPT (Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase). They are both key indicators of liver function. Elevated levels of these enzymes can signal liver stress or damage. It can be caused by lifestyle, diet, infections or medical conditions. Monitoring and controlling SGOT and SGPT levels is essential to prevent further complications and maintain a healthy liver.
This blog will take a closer look at SGOT and SGPT, along with how to control SGOT and SGPT levels.
What is the meaning of SGOT & SGPT?
The meaning of both of these medical terms is as follows:
What is SGPT?
SGPT (Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase) is a liver enzyme that helps in amino acid metabolism. Elevated levels of SGOT in the blood cells may indicate liver damage or inflammation.
What is SGOT?
SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase) is an enzyme present in the liver, heart and muscles. High SGPT levels may signal liver issues, heart problems or muscle injury.
Difference between SGOT & SGPT
The key differences between SGOT & SGPT are as follows:
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Feature
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SGOT (AST)
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SGPT (ALT)
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Full form
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Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase
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Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase
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Primary location
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Liver, heart, muscles, kidneys, brain
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Mainly liver
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Function
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Helps in amino acid metabolism and energy production
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Helps in amino acid metabolism, mainly in the liver
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Indicative of
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Liver damage, heart disease and muscle injury
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Liver damage or inflammation
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Blood test sensitivity
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Less specific to liver damage
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More specific to liver injury
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What is the normal range of SGOT & SGPT?
The normal range of SGOT and SGPT levels may vary slightly depending on the laboratory.
However, the typical range is as follows:
- SGOT: 5 to 40 units per litre of serum
- SGPT: 7 to 56 units per litre of serum
Levels higher than these ranges may indicate conditions, such as liver inflammation, injury or any other health conditions that require medical evaluation by a doctor.
What are the causes of high SGPT & SGOT levels?
High SGOT and SGPT levels can result from various factors that affect liver function or cause cell damage. The most common reasons for high SGOT and SGPT levels include:
- Liver diseases: Health conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver or cirrhosis often lead to raised enzyme levels.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Regular alcohol intake can cause liver inflammation and increase enzyme levels.
- Obesity and diabetes: Both can contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can raise SGOT and SGPT levels.
- Certain medications: Overuse of painkillers, antibiotics or cholesterol-lowering drugs can also affect liver enzymes.
- Viral infections: Hepatitis A, B or C can also increase enzyme levels significantly.
- Muscle injury or strenuous exercise: SGOT, in particular, may increase after heavy physical activity or muscle strain.
Symptoms of high SGOT & SGPT levels in the liver
The most common signs and symptoms of high SGOT and SGPT levels include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Dark-coloured urine
- Pale or clay-coloured stools
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Itchy skin
- Excessive bleeding
How to control SGOT and SGPT levels in the liver?
It is crucial to keep your enzyme levels within a healthy range. The following are a few habits that can be considered:
- Maintain a balanced diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins in your diet. Strictly avoid oily, processed and junk foods.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water daily. It keeps you hydrated, which supports liver detoxification.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol is one of the primary causes of elevated SGOT and SGPT levels. Therefore, it is crucial to limit alcohol consumption.
- Exercise regularly: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
- Avoid unnecessary medications: Taking some drugs can strain the liver. Thus, only take medicines prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity or being overweight can increase the risk of fatty liver. This is what can raise enzyme levels.
- Get adequate rest: Proper sleep allows your liver to repair and regenerate effectively.
- Reduce stress: Chronic stress can indirectly impact liver health through hormonal imbalance.
Medical treatments for lowering SGPT & SGOT
When lifestyle changes alone do not help, medical help will be needed to reduce high SGOT and SGPT levels. While treatment depends on the underlying cause, a few common ones may include:
- Medication adjustments: Doctors may modify or discontinue medicines that cause strain on the liver.
- Antiviral or antibacterial treatment: In case of infections like hepatitis, targeted medications may be prescribed.
- Liver-protective drugs: Hepatoprotective agents such as silymarin or ursodeoxycholic acid may be recommended to support liver recovery.
- Management of metabolic conditions: Controlling diabetes, cholesterol and thyroid disorders can help normalise enzyme levels.
- Hospital care for severe cases: In cases of liver inflammation or acute damage, hospitalisation and continuous monitoring may be required.
Role of health insurance for liver treatments
Having the right health insurance policy is crucial to managing expenses related to the rising cost of liver treatments easily. The right policy can help you cover costs for doctor visits, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests and medicines. There are also specialised plans, such as critical illness insurance, which offer a lump-sum payout upon diagnosis of serious conditions like advanced liver disease. Reviewing your policy’s inclusions, exclusions and waiting periods ensures complete financial protection for liver-related conditions, allowing you to focus on recovery without the stress of medical bills.
Conclusion
Monitoring and maintaining healthy SGOT and SGPT levels is critical to protect your liver and overall health. Elevated enzyme levels may indicate underlying liver damage or lifestyle-related issues that require timely medical attention. Remember to have a balanced diet, regular exercise and routine check-ups, you can keep your liver functioning optimally. In addition, securing a suitable health insurance plan ensures financial protection and access to quality treatment in case of any liver-related concerns.
FAQs
1. What is SGOT and SGPT's full form?
SGOT stands for Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase, and SGPT stands for Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase.
2. What lifestyle changes can help lower SGOT and SGPT levels?
Adopting a healthy, balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding alcohol can help lower SGOT and SGPT levels.
3. Can high SGPT and SGOT levels be reversed naturally?
Yes, with proper lifestyle changes and treatment, elevated SGPT and SGOT levels can often be reversed.
4. How often should SGOT and SGPT levels be tested?
SGOT and SGPT levels should be tested periodically, as advised by a doctor, typically every 3-6 months for monitoring.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.