What level of GGT is dangerous? Decoding GGT Levels
Medically Reviewed By
Dr Sohini Sengupta
Written By Meenakshi
on Nov 29, 2023
Last Edit Made By Meenakshi
on Mar 18, 2024
GGT, what’s that? If you are new to the term, you are not alone. GGT is short for Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, an enzyme found in various organs with high concentrations in the liver. These levels show liver and bile duct health and provide a comprehensive insight into your body’s internal functioning. Has your doctor recently recommended checking GGT levels? Wondering what these levels entail and how to manage them? Fret not! We’ve got answers to all your queries here. So, let’s get started.
The Basics Of GGT:
GGT stands for Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, an enzyme in organs with high concentrations in the liver. Doctors often suggest the GGT Test to assess liver functions, detect liver damage, and monitor the progression of the disease to adjust medications accordingly. Mostly suggested as a part of a comprehensive Liver Function Test, the GGT Test may be prescribed specifically based on individual health requirements or symptoms, like Jaundice, Abdominal Pain, Fatigue, Nausea and vomiting, Dark or Light Urine, or Stool. The presence of this symptom is usually indicative of underlying liver or bile duct issues, prompting the need for a GGT Test.
Importance Of Maintaining Normal GGT Levels:
Having normal GGT levels is crucial for many purposes, and a few of them are explained below:
- Normal GGT Levels usually indicate proper liver function, ensuring the liver functions fine and has no sign of damage or disease.
- Moreover, having their levels within a healthy range indicates healthy bile ducts, which are crucial for proper digestion and waste elimination.
- These levels can be affected for several reasons, like lifestyle choices or underlying health conditions; therefore, having them within range is essential to ensure overall well-being.
- Lastly, keeping GGT levels within the normal range allows individuals to actively monitor and prevent liver or bile duct issues, allowing timely intervention.
All in all, having GGT levels within a healthy range is crucial to support overall well-being. But now the question is what those normal levels are and what are considered dangerous levels? And what do these hazardous levels indicate? Scroll down to get all your answers.
Normal GGT Range:
Usually, 0 to 30 IU/L are considered Normal GGT Levels, and anything beyond it could indicate that your liver is not working as it should. In short, levels above 0 to 30 IU/L are considered dangerous and may need immediate attention.
Cause Of Dangerously High GGT Levels:
- Liver Disease: One of the major culprits that leads to dangerously high GGT levels could be some liver disease, be it Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, Fatty Liver Disease, or more. Any of these conditions can significantly elevate GGT levels, indicating a problem that needs immediate attention.
- Excessive Drinking: Not just an underlying condition, your lifestyle choices like drinking excess alcohol levels can also influence their levels. Substantially elevated GGT levels indicate potential liver damage.
- Medication: Certain medications can also influence your GGT levels, which need to be evaluated well for better management.
Besides these reasons, obesity and smoking are some factors that contribute to high GGT levels that are crucial for proper management and treatment. The reason could be anything. Identifying and addressing high GGT levels in time is essential for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored guidance.
Ways To Manage Elevated GGT Levels:
Looking for some most practical and healthy ways to manage high GGT levels? Look no further. The answer is in the points below.
- Healthy Diet: Your dietary choice is a crucial building block of good health. So, if your GGT levels are not managed well, you should make healthy diet choices. Start including everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to whole grains and lean proteins while evading processed foods & excessive fats that can take a toll on your health.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Your lifestyle choices are one of the factors that severely influence your GGT levels, leading to various health issues. Therefore, shifting from a sedentary lifestyle to a balanced approach is essential to restore the balance and ensure healthy GGT levels and good health.
- Exercise Without Skipping A Day: Keeping yourself physically active is essential to keep different health issues away. So, indulge in physical activities to reduce dangerously high GGT levels and support overall wellness.
- Balance Your Weight: Obesity is also one of the factors leading to elevated GGT levels. Therefore, you should better keep it balanced. Aim for a healthy weight, as it keeps GGT levels in check and ensures overall well-being.
- Medical Intervention: Lastly, consult your doctor to discuss your conditions, get tested as suggested, and take preventive measures and medications to prevent possible complications.
Remember, the results may vary for every individual, depending on their body type, symptoms, or health requirements. Therefore, you should consult a healthcare provider before changing your routine for optimal results.
Conclusion:
High GGT levels are not good and can indicate underlying conditions needing immediate attention. Therefore, getting tested is critical before things turn ugly. Redcliffe Labs is the best Omnichannel Pan India Diagnostic Service Provider that you can count on to book a GGT Test at home. So, for appropriate monitoring and management, book your test now.
Leave a comment
11 Comments
Juliet
Apr 17, 2024 at 1:57 AM.
My GGT is 122. The only other elevated liver enzyme is ALT at 37. My thyroid antibodies (TPO) are through the roof at 900+. I have Hashimoto's and take levothyroxine. I am concerned that the Levothyroxine might be causing liver damage, as I have heard can happen in rare cases. I don't drink (quit a decade ago, long before I was diagnosed with thryoid issues), and I don't eat sugar, grains or processed food. Exercise daily (twice each day) - and quit my stressful job a year and a half ago to focus on recovering my health - so I don't know what else I can do lifestyle-wise. Is it possible the high GGT is a fluke? Or should I consider seriously the possiblity that the levothyroxine is causing it? Thank you.
Myhealth Team
Apr 17, 2024 at 6:58 PM.
It's crucial to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. While levothyroxine can rarely cause liver enzyme elevation, other factors like Hashimoto's disease can also affect these levels. Your doctor can provide personalized advice and recommend further tests or adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
GAURAV BHAGAT
Apr 16, 2024 at 5:25 AM.
I JUST FOUND MY GGT 55.03 MY AGE 39 YEARS PLEASE SUGGEST WHAT I DO TO REDUCE MY GGT LEVEL ?
MyHealth Team
Apr 16, 2024 at 6:36 AM.
To lower elevated GGT levels, start by reducing alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Aim for a healthy weight through regular exercise and avoid smoking.
Jess
Apr 11, 2024 at 12:41 AM.
I just found out my GGT is 210, I’m a healthy 57 yr female , I do have a thyroid issue but take medication. Don’t drink much alcohol, my doctor said let’s just re check in 3-6 months is ok to wait that long to Re Check ?
Myhealth Team
Apr 11, 2024 at 5:53 AM.
Yes, it's generally okay to wait 3-6 months for a recheck of your GGT level, as advised by your doctor. Trust their recommendation and focus on maintaining your healthy lifestyle in the meantime.
Susan
Apr 9, 2024 at 3:27 PM.
Good article but you didn't include other levels besides the critical low levels of GGT. MY level is high - 49 but where is that on the scale? I've been trying to change my I've just started a Canadian sponsored programme on trying to reverse Diabetes 2 & blood tests are included so that's how I got this test done! I wanted to know on a graph of where 49 is so that I know exactly what I'm fighting. We knew something was going on with my liver thru an Ultrasound & in a couple of months I'm having an abdominal CT Scan. Sorry that this is so long but I need to educate myself, your article was the best so far & that's really appreciated, thanks, Susan
Myhealth Team
Apr 9, 2024 at 7:33 PM.
Thank you for your feedback, Susan. We understand your concern about understanding where your GGT level of 49 falls on the scale. Typically, reference ranges for GGT levels can vary depending on the laboratory and the units of measurement used. It's essential to interpret your results in the context of the reference range provided by your healthcare provider or laboratory. They can help you understand whether your GGT level is within a normal range or if it indicates potential liver issues.
Akhil Kumar Barooah
Apr 5, 2024 at 2:04 PM.
My GGT Level is 77.6. bilirubin direct is 0.6 & bilirubin indirect is 1.4. Will it be come to normal range ?? Please indicate the diet list for me to reduce the levels.
Myhealth Team
Apr 10, 2024 at 9:23 AM.
Hi,
To reduce GGT levels and support liver health:
- Limit alcohol.
- Eat fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.
- Drink water.
- Cut saturated fats.
- Increase fiber.
- Moderate protein.
- Limit added sugars.
Ajit kumar
Apr 1, 2024 at 1:36 PM.
My ggt 514, can take alcohol regular
Myhealth Team
Apr 4, 2024 at 2:35 PM.
Hi Ajit Kumar, We advice you not to take alcohol as your ggt levels are elevated. Thankyou
Eddie
Feb 18, 2024 at 7:18 PM.
My AST is 38. ALT is 48. GGT is 111 and I drink a bottle of wine every day. Should I be concerned?
Myhealth Team
Apr 4, 2024 at 2:36 PM.
Hi Eddie, With elevated AST (38) and ALT (48) levels, along with a significantly elevated GGT (111), it's important to be concerned, especially if you consume a bottle of wine every day. These levels suggest potential liver damage or dysfunction, which can be exacerbated by excessive alcohol consumption. Please take care of your health. Thankyou
emmanuel bancesco
Jan 19, 2024 at 4:44 PM.
My TGO / AST came out 30 TGP / ALT is 36, blyrubin is 0.49, but my Gama GT (GGT) is 133 U/L. Should I worry? Thank you
Myhealth Team
Jan 23, 2024 at 12:50 PM.
Your TGO/AST and TGP/ALT levels are normal. However, the elevated Gama GT (GGT) level at 133 U/L suggests potential liver or bile duct issues. Consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
Sheila Hahn
Jan 11, 2024 at 1:03 PM.
I just got my blood results back, my AST is 90 and my GGT is 372. I am worried
Myhealth Team
Apr 4, 2024 at 2:37 PM.
Elevated AST (90) and GGT (372) levels suggest potential liver issues. Consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance.
Myhealth Team
Jan 16, 2024 at 7:45 AM.
Elevated AST (90) and GGT (372) levels suggest potential liver issues. Consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance.
Scott Saylor
Dec 28, 2023 at 7:49 AM.
I just had labs done and mine was 795 holy moly stage 4 cirrhosis! What I'm not sure of though is how this affects my meld score?
Myhealth Team
Dec 28, 2023 at 10:43 AM.
Your MELD score is not 795; it usually ranges from 6 to 40. With stage 4 cirrhosis, your MELD score is likely high, indicating the severity of liver disease.
Steve helser
Dec 12, 2023 at 3:19 AM.
Very hight GGT. OF 300
Myhealth Team
Apr 9, 2024 at 7:39 PM.
Hi Ajit, We recommend you not to take alcohol as your GGT is high. This can impact your liver more.
Myhealth Team
Apr 4, 2024 at 2:40 PM.
Hi, A GGT level of 300 is markedly elevated, suggesting potential liver issues. Urgently consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate treatment. Thankyou
Graham Sulkin
Apr 3, 2024 at 11:38 AM.
Please can you let me know what is your ggt leval as my wife is 156 and i am very worried Please call 07956310344
Ajit kumar
Apr 1, 2024 at 1:38 PM.
My GGT range514 can I take alcohol
