Increased levels of liver enzymes indicate inflammation, injury or damage to liver cells. The most commonly found elevated liver enzymes in blood tests are alanine transaminase, or ALT, and aspartate transaminase, or AST. In most cases, high amounts of liver enzymes do not signify a serious or chronic liver problem, and the temporary high enzyme levels subside, while some causes can be more serious and require treatment.
Medications
Some medications can cause a temporary elevation in liver enzyme levels and require monitoring by a doctor. MayoClinic.com lists several drugs that have this side effect. These include statins, which are prescription medications that work on the liver to decrease high cholesterol, and over-the-counter pain medications, particularly acetaminophen. These medications can temporarily cause damage and inflammation in the liver, leading increased liver enzyme levels. This effect is reduced or eliminated by ceasing or changing the medication.
Viruses
Viral infections of the body or directly of the liver can also cause temporary elevations in liver enzymes. MayoClinic.com notes that hepatitis is the most common viral infection of the liver. All types of hepatitis -- A, B, C and other forms -- can cause an increase of liver enzymes in the blood. Some types of viral hepatitis are temporary and subside over time, causing only intermittent increases in liver enzymes. Other viral infections that can raise liver enzymes include cytomegalovirus, or CMV, and Epstein-Barr, or mononucleosis.
Obesity
Obesity and being overweight can also cause an increase in the level of liver enzymes in the blood. Patient UK notes that this elevation can be reversed with weight loss and control. Obesity is generally defined as a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher, and can lead to liver disease, increasing the release of liver enzymes.
