Very worried about initial blood test result for ALP

[Holly303]

Hi,

I have just heard from my Dr that I have elevated ALP levels in a blood test I had a couple of months ago to check my medication could still be prescribed (blood thinner & beta blocker). She asked me to have another test in a months time which was this week.

I have phoned for results & have been told I need a telephone appointment as the levels are still raised but I have no idea what this means & am worried sick I have liver cirrhosis. I can't get an appointment until 3 weeks time & am so anxious about it it's all I can think about. Can anyone help with what ALP levels mean please? I am a non-smoker, I don't drink alcohol at all during the week but do like 2 or 3 bottles of wine at the weekend. Is this likely to be the cause ?

Thanks in advance for any replies as I am completely terrified

[AyrshireK]

If it's only your ALP that's raised it could be a biliary issue - as a 50 year old female you are in the bracket when gall stones may start to appear and it could be something as simple as that.

An isolated ALP elevation is unlikely to be the result of anything as serious as cirrhosis as you'd anticipate elevations of other liver enzymes in the case of liver injury.

I think in any case it would be wise to reassess your alcohol intake - whilst you may not be drinking through the week your 2-3 bottles of wine on a weekend takes you way above the recommended 'safe' guideline of only 14 units per week (2 bottles is anywhere between 18 & 20 units depending on alcohol strength and 3 bottles takes you to 27-30 units a week).

As a female this is in risky territory for developing fatty liver and or liver fibrosis. I take it you have some heart related stuff going on with the beta blocker and blood thinner.

Katie

[Holly303 in reply to AyrshireK]

Hi, thank you. Yes I currently suffer from Atrial Flutter & on the waiting list for ablation surgery to sort this out.

Thank you for your reply, I guess I knew it was too much which is why my concern has gone straight to liver cirrhosis so will cut down/stop for a while.

Would there be symptoms with fatty liver and or liver fibrosis?

[AyrshireK in reply to Holly303]

There arn't always symptoms associated with fatty liver, fibrosis or even early cirrhosis which is why liver disease is often known as a 'silent' illness. If you have a heart issue you should probably be looking at how you can live a bit more healthily and yes the wine is a bit excessive. You'd probably expect more than just your ALP to be elevated - GGT is often one which shows up in fatty liver.

Here is the guidance for Non Alcohol Related Fatty Liver disease - the same guidance goes for alcohol related but obviously requires cessation of the booze too. Good news is every stage of liver disease (barring full on cirrhosis which often does come with symptoms) is generally reversible with a good diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Katie

[Holly303 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you, really appreciate your reply

[BritishLiverTrust3 Administrator British Liver Trust]

Dear Holly303

If you [are in the UK and] would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Holly303]

I have now spoken with the Doctor & have been told that it's nothing to worry about yet but I am sowing signs of a fatty liver. Part of me is relieved however i'm still quiet worried about what this actually means?