What is the normal range of SGPT and SGOT?

SGPT (ALT): 7–56 U/L and SGOT (AST): 8–48 U/L. Ranges may slightly vary depending on the lab.

Is fasting required before a liver enzyme test?

Fasting is not always required. Follow your doctor's or diagnostic lab’s instructions.

Which tests should I take for a complete liver check-up?

A full Liver Function Test (LFT) is ideal. It includes SGPT, SGOT, Bilirubin, ALP, GGT, and proteins like Albumin.

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Published on: May 21, 2025
4 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Liver Enzymes Test Explained – What SGPT/SGOT Mean

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The liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It performs hundreds of functions, including filtering toxins, producing bile, and supporting digestion and metabolism. When your liver is under stress or not functioning properly, certain enzymes in your blood can increase. Two of the most common enzymes tested are SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST). In this blog, we will break down what these enzymes mean, why your doctor might suggest this test, and what the results indicate.

What is a Liver Enzymes Test?

A liver enzymes test is a type of blood test used to evaluate the health of your liver. It measures specific proteins (called enzymes) that the liver releases into your blood. When liver cells are damaged, these enzymes leak into your bloodstream. The most commonly tested liver enzymes are:

SGPT (ALT) – Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase
SGOT (AST) – Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase

Why Do Doctors Recommend a Liver Enzymes Test?

Your doctor may ask for a liver enzymes test if you show symptoms of liver problems or are at risk due to lifestyle or existing health conditions. Some common reasons include:

Fatigue or weakness
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain or swelling
Dark urine or pale stools
Alcohol consumption
Hepatitis (A, B, or C)
Obesity or fatty liver
Long-term medication usage
Diabetes or high cholesterol

What is SGPT (ALT)?

SGPT, also known as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. It plays a role in converting proteins into energy for liver cells. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, SGPT leaks into the bloodstream.

Normal SGPT Levels:

For men: 7 to 56 units per liter of blood
For women: 7 to 45 units per liter

What Does High SGPT Mean?

High SGPT levels may indicate:

Liver inflammation (Hepatitis)
Fatty liver disease
Alcohol-related liver damage
Liver infection or injury
Side effects of medications
Obesity-related liver stress

Sometimes, even intense physical activity or certain supplements can temporarily raise SGPT levels.

What is SGOT (AST)?

SGOT, also known as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), is an enzyme found not just in the liver, but also in the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain. So, while it can point to liver damage, it may also indicate problems in other organs.

Normal SGOT Levels:

For men: 8 to 48 units per liter of blood
For women: 8 to 43 units per liter

What Does High SGOT Mean?

High SGOT levels may be due to:

Liver damage or cirrhosis
Heart disease or recent heart attack
Muscle injuries
Pancreatitis
Alcohol abuse
Use of certain drugs or supplements

If both SGPT and SGOT are elevated, it’s more likely to be a liver-related issue.

SGPT vs SGOT – What's the Difference?

Feature	SGPT (ALT)	SGOT (AST)
Location	Mainly in the liver	Liver, heart, kidneys, muscles, brain
Specificity	More liver-specific	Less liver-specific
Indicates	Liver damage	Liver, heart, or muscle damage
Normal Range	7–56 U/L	8–48 U/L

Conclusion: If only SGPT is high, it's more likely to be liver-specific. If both are high, the doctor may run further tests.

Other Liver Tests Often Done Together

To get a full picture of liver health, doctors may also recommend:

ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) – Linked to bile ducts
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) – Linked to alcohol use or bile problems
Bilirubin – Indicates liver’s ability to process waste
Albumin and Total Protein – Reflects liver's protein production
PT/INR – Measures blood clotting, another liver function

What to Do if SGPT/SGOT Are High?

If your test results show high liver enzymes, don’t panic. A one-time elevation doesn’t always mean serious disease. Here's what you should do:

1. Follow-Up Testing

Your doctor may repeat the test after a few weeks or recommend imaging (ultrasound/CT scan) to check for liver fat, fibrosis, or tumors.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Avoid alcohol completely
Maintain a healthy diet (low-fat, high-fiber)
Exercise regularly
Control blood sugar and cholesterol
Stay hydrated

3. Review Medications

Some over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol, or supplements like bodybuilding products, can raise liver enzymes.

4. Monitor Regularly

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity, make liver function tests part of your routine health checks.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
Severe abdominal pain
Swelling in legs or abdomen
Confusion or mood changes
Dark-colored urine or light-colored stools

These signs may indicate serious liver issues and need immediate attention.

Final Thoughts

The liver is a silent warrior – it works 24/7 and rarely complains until it's seriously damaged. That’s why regular check-ups, especially liver enzyme tests, are essential for early detection and prevention.

Understanding your SGPT and SGOT levels can give you valuable insights into your liver’s health. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms, managing a chronic condition, or just doing a preventive health check, this simple blood test can help you stay one step ahead.

Call to Action

Worried about your liver health? Book a full liver function test online today and get your results from the comfort of your home. Know your SGPT and SGOT levels now – because your health can’t wait.

Liver Enzymes Test Explained – What SGPT/SGOT Mean – Book Now on SecondMedic.com!

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Read FAQs

A. It helps diagnose liver diseases, monitor liver health, and assess the impact of medications, alcohol, or infections on the liver.

A. SGPT (ALT): 7–56 U/L SGOT (AST): 8–48 U/L Ranges may vary slightly based on labs.

A. Elevated levels may indicate liver inflammation, fatty liver, hepatitis, alcohol-related damage, or side effects from medications.

A. Fasting is not always required, but it's best to follow your doctor’s or lab’s instructions.

A. A Liver Function Test (LFT), which includes SGPT, SGOT, Bilirubin, ALP, GGT, Albumin, and Total Protein, is recommended.

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Simple Habits to Avoid High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke worldwide. In India, rising cholesterol levels are becoming more common due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy food habits, and stress. But the good news is—you can prevent high cholesterol naturally with a few simple habits.

In this blog, we’ll explore easy, everyday steps you can take to keep your cholesterol levels in check and protect your heart.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood. While your body needs some cholesterol to build cells and hormones, too much of the wrong type—called LDL (low-density lipoprotein)—can be harmful. It can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

There’s also HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is the “good” cholesterol that helps remove LDL from your body.

Why High Cholesterol Is Dangerous

Clogs arteries and restricts blood flow
Increases risk of heart attacks and strokes
Can lead to high blood pressure
May affect kidney and liver function

The scariest part? High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. That’s why it’s called a silent killer and must be managed before problems begin.

7 Simple Habits to Avoid High Cholesterol

1. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods Daily

Soluble fiber binds with cholesterol in the gut and removes it from your body.

Best foods for fiber:

Oats and barley
Apples, pears, and oranges
Beans and lentils
Flaxseeds and chia seeds

Tip: Start your morning with a bowl of oatmeal and add a fruit—it’s a heart-healthy breakfast!

2. Stay Active Every Day

Physical activity boosts HDL (good cholesterol) and burns fat that raises LDL.

What to do:

Walk briskly for 30 minutes a day
Try yoga, cycling, or dancing
Use stairs instead of the lift
Take short walks after meals

Even small movements throughout the day matter.

3. Cut Down on Saturated & Trans Fats

These fats raise your LDL cholesterol quickly.

Avoid:

Fried food, chips, and baked snacks
Ghee-heavy sweets
Processed foods with “hydrogenated oils”

Choose instead:

Olive oil or mustard oil
Grilled or baked foods
Fresh fruits and nuts as snacks

4. Manage Your Stress

Stress affects your hormones and may raise your cholesterol over time.

Try this:

Practice deep breathing or meditation
Do relaxing hobbies like reading or gardening
Take tech breaks and sleep 7–8 hours daily
Talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed

A calm mind supports a healthy heart.

5. Stay Hydrated and Cut Sugary Drinks

Water helps regulate body functions and weight, which both impact cholesterol.

Do this:

Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily
Avoid soft drinks and energy drinks
Switch to herbal teas or infused water

Too much sugar can raise triglyceride levels, a type of fat in your blood.

6. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Smoking lowers good cholesterol and damages arteries. Alcohol, in excess, can also spike cholesterol and blood pressure.

Tip:
Even reducing smoking or drinking frequency helps your heart function better.

7. Get Regular Cholesterol Tests

Don’t wait for symptoms. Get your lipid profile checked every year, especially if you have:

A family history of heart disease
Diabetes or high blood pressure
Obesity or unhealthy lifestyle habits

Suggested Test:
Lipid Profile Test by Thyrocare via SecondMedic.com – includes LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides with home sample collection.

Normal Cholesterol Levels:

Type	Ideal Range
Total Cholesterol	Below 200 mg/dL
LDL (Bad)	Below 100 mg/dL
HDL (Good)	Above 40 mg/dL (men), 50 mg/dL (women)
Triglycerides	Below 150 mg/dL

Tips to Book a Test via SecondMedic:

Visit www.secondmedic.com
Search for Lipid Profile Test – Thyrocare
Select home collection
Fast for 9–12 hours before the test
Get results in 24–48 hours

Bonus Tips

Replace white rice with brown rice or millets
Choose low-fat milk and curd
Snack on almonds or walnuts
Cook at home more often than eating out
Maintain a healthy weight

Conclusion

You don’t need fancy diets or harsh treatments to manage cholesterol. Just a few simple daily habits can make a big difference in protecting your heart.

By eating better, moving more, managing stress, and staying hydrated, you can keep your cholesterol in check without medication in many cases.

Make your heart health a priority starting today!

Start following these simple habits to avoid high cholesterol and keep your heart happy for years to come.

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