Both SGOT and SGPT are enzymes produced by liver cells of which SGPT is very much liver specific. When the liver cells get damaged these enzymes get released and their levels in the blood go high. As for instance, in case of viral infection of the liver called Hepatitis, the levels can be very high due to cell damage and by monitoring them regularly the doctor can assess the severity as well as the improvement or deterioration. This offcourse has to be taken into account as with other tests and investigations. SGPT on the other hand can be produced by cells from other parts. This in a nutshell is the answer to your question and if your enzymes are persistently high further investigations are indicated. Finally, both the enzymes SGOT and SGPT were re-named over two decades ago and are now known as ALT and AST.

What are the normal levels of SGOT and SGPT?

• Normal levels of SGPT: 7-56 units/liter of serum

• Normal levels of SGOT: 5-40 units/liter of serum.

What are the elevated level of SGOT and SGPT?

SGPT is present predominantly in the liver and when it is produced in excess, it leaks into the bloodstream. The normal range of SGPT is about 7 to 56 units / liter of blood serum. A very high level of SGPT in the blood indicates some damage or issues related to the liver.

What are the causes of high SGPT levels?

Following are few conditions and diseases causing increased SGPT levels:

• Drinking excess of alcohol

• Acute viral hepatitis A and B

• Celiac disease (Autoimmune disorder)

• Heart attack

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Hepatitis C

• Infectious mononucleosis Glandular fever caused by Epstein-Barr virus)

• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)

• Dermatomyositis (Inflammation of skin and muscles)

What are symptoms of high SGPT level?

The most common symptoms of high SGPT level include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Weakness or fatigue

• Swelling in legs

• Shortness of breath

• Excessive bruising or bleeding

• Jaundice

If you find these symptoms, you should immediately consult your doctor for further investigations.

What are the causes of high SGOT level?

The high SGOT levels can indicate the following disorders:

• pancreatitis

• heart damage, possibly from a heart attack

• muscle injuries

• kidney disease

• liver damage from toxins such as excess of alcohol

• acute hepatitis

• gallbladder disease

Which diseases Cause elevated SGOT and SGPT in the blood?

The most common diseases that causes abnormally high SGOT and SGPT are:

• hepatitis A or B or C

• chronic viral hepatitis,

• cirrhosis of the liver (fibrosis of liver because of prolonged inflammation of the liver),

• liver damage from alcohol,

• hemochromatosis (a genetic condition caused due to long-standing liver damage), and

• reduced blood flow to the liver (from shock or heart failure).

What are the Simple and Home measures to lower your SGPT and SGOT levels in the blood?

If the liver is healthy then our body is healthy too.  Liver helps in many of body functions and also helps to flush out toxins by boosting the metabolism. One should take care of the liver by maintaining a healthy lifestyle or following healthy habits. Also, following a healthy lifestyle can keep you strong and keeps your liver away from various diseases. 

Everything and anything we consume, such as medicines, food, alcohol, etc. is filtered by our liver. Therefore, it is very important for the body to function properly and take care of the liver that can help avoiding harsh treatments and complications of the certain diseases on the body. 

SGPT and SGOT are certain enzymes that are produced by the liver and its cells. Elevated SGPT and SGOT levels are an indication of liver cell injury or damage and hence they should be detected through regular health check-ups.

There are few lifestyle habits that can keep your liver and body in their healthier state.

Keep a watch on everything you eat

• Increase Vitamin D intake in diet: Vitamin D helps in preventing any damage happening to the liver and decreases the SGPT levels. Oranges, mushrooms, soy milk, apples, fortified cereals, tofu, eggs, dairy products, oysters cod liver oil, and green leafy vegetables are very good sources of vitamin D.

• Eat nutritious diet: Organic and plant-based diet is the best for your liver function. Avoid having too much salt and sodium-rich foods.

• Eat more vegetables and fruits: Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, such as papaya, kiwi, pomegranate, carrot, spinach, bell pepper, etc. are good for liver.

• Avoid fried and junk foods: Try to avoid eating deep fried foods and junk food such as pizza, burgers, etc. Also, try to be away from chicken, meat, pork, cheese, carbonated drinks, bacon and butter.

• Limit alcohol and quit smoking: Alcohol is the most dangerous thing for the liver. Consuming excess of alcohol can produce toxins and damage the liver raising the SGOT and SGPT levels in your blood. Also quit smoking as it can also cause damage.

• Don’t try to self-medicate: Absorbing medicines is too much stress on the liver, therefore having medicines that are not prescribed by a qualified doctor can do more harm to the liver.

Regularly exercise

Doing regular exercise is important for maintaining a healthy liver. It decreases the stress on the liver and also increases the energy levels. Exercise helps in preventing obesity, which is one of the risk factors for liver diseases.

Regular health check-ups

Go for regular health check-ups, as liver dysfunctions do not always show symptoms. Hence, don’t wait for too long for symptoms to occur. Regular preventive screening is one way to know if the liver is functioning properly. High SGPT or SGOT is usually an indication of liver cell injury.

Implementing these healthy lifestyle modifications with a healthy diet is the best resolution to lower SGPT and SGOT levels.