What can cause a sudden increase in AST?
Other possible reasons for an increased AST level that aren’t related to the liver include:
- a recent heart attack.
- strenuous activity.
- an injection of medicine into your muscle.
- burns.
- seizures.
- surgery.
- celiac disease.
- muscle diseases.
Is it normal for AST levels to fluctuate?
AST levels can fluctuate between 5 and 10% from one day to the next in the same individual. Moderate exercise increases AST levels for as long as 24 hours, usually less than 3 times the upper limit of normal. The half-life of AST in the circulation is 17 +/- 5 hours.
What causes liver enzymes to jump?

Definition. Elevated liver enzymes often indicate inflammation or damage to cells in the liver. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream, elevating liver enzymes on blood tests.
What does an increase in AST mean?
When your liver is damaged, it puts more AST into your blood, and your levels rise. A high AST level is a sign of liver damage, but it can also mean you have damage to another organ that makes it, like your heart or kidneys. That’s why doctors often do the AST test together with tests of other liver enzymes.
When should I worry about AST?
High levels of AST in the blood may be a sign of hepatitis, cirrhosis, mononucleosis, or other liver diseases. High AST levels may also be a sign of heart problems or pancreatitis. If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn’t always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment.
When should I be concerned about AST levels?

Is an AST of 47 high?
Typically the range for normal AST is reported between 10 to 40 units per liter and ALT between 7 to 56 units per liter. Mild elevations are generally considered to be 2-3 times higher than the normal range.