To wonder, what do these test results mean?

[rosewater20]

DP went in for routine blood tests, and the test results show that he has "slightly elevated liver enzymes" with his AST at 37 and his ALT 38. He also has high cholesterol with his total being 270 (his LDL is 185 and his NON HDL being 207).

DP said that in 2017 he went in for a physical and both test results were elevated as well.

He is negative for hepatitis, so that isn't causing his liver enzymes to be high. He doesn't drink alcohol (at all), never done drugs. He works out every day and eats mainly protein and green vegetables (follows the paleo diet). He is in excellent physical shape and is in his early 30s.

His GP has scheduled a scan of his liver at the end of July, but I am nervous about what the test could uncover. Has anyone else experienced similar? Are there questions we should ask the GP?

I made the mistake of consulting doctor google and have now scared myself (of course, cancer is always the result when you google...ugh)!

Doctor here.

Those transaminases are not particularly elevated. Indeed, by some lab reference ranges they’re normal.

Doesn’t require action.

Agree sounds unconcerning. Does he take any medications?

Do you know what units the liver ones are in (because the cholesterol isnt the units we use in the UK)?

@Dickybow321the liver ones are in U/L. Sorry, he works for an international company and his tests were done in the US (the ones in 2017 in Asia). The cholesterol is in mg/dl

Just to reiterate: if I encountered these results in a patient of mine, I’d describe them as “normal”.

@PaddyF0dder thank you. That has made me feel better. Do you know what could possibly be causing elevation? I am wondering if maybe the paleo diet is contributing. could there be a connection between the high cholesterol and liver levels?

It’s not elevated.

@PaddyF0dder. Thanks. I wonder why the GP is ordering a scan of his liver if the levels aren't concerning. I guess better safe than sorry?

High in the range does not mean elevated.

His doctor is being over cautious, I imagine.

Stop Googling!

You mentioned the tests were done in USA. Is the doctor also in USA? American health system is notorious for over-investigating. It’s all just business over there.

If the doctor is in UK, they’re being over-cautious. Maybe picking up on health anxiety.

That's strange. The LFT is normal. Yes the cholesterol is high, but that won't be why they're ordering a scan. I'd question it.

Unless it wasnt AST and ALT that they were talking about? Have you seen the readout?

@Dickybow321 I did see the readout, and everything else says "normal". His American doctor ordered it, although our doctor in the UK has been sent the results as well and said the next step is a scan. But all other results (besides the cholesterol) came back as normal, and he hasn't been feeling ill.