What May Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Elevated liver enzymes seem to indicate liver damage or inflammation. One of the common ones that may be elevated appears to be alkaline phosphatase. Most cases seem to be mild and temporary. Doctors may discover them through a routine blood test. If they do, they may want patients to come in for additional tests and follow-up appointments. Imaging studies may help them monitor the patient's liver health more closely as well.

A patient's treatment for elevated liver enzymes appears to vary based on the cause. They may need to stop taking certain pain medications. Heart surgery for heart failure may be necessary sometimes.