Numerous conditions can cause elevated liver enzymes and an enlarged liver. According to MayoClinic.com, elevated liver enzymes indicate problems with your liver, including inflammation or damage to your liver cells. Damaged liver cells leak unusually high levels of certain chemicals into your blood stream, causing elevated liver enzymes to be found during blood tests. In some cases, elevated liver enzymes are associated with an enlarged liver. An enlarged liver is also known as hepatomegaly.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism can cause elevated liver enzymes and hepatomegaly. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, alcoholism is a long-term, often progressive disease in which you crave alcohol and you drink despite recurrent alcohol-related problems, such as termination from a job or loss of a relationship. If you are an alcoholic, you are physically dependent on alcohol. Alcoholism may be caused by genetic, psychological and cultural factors. Common signs and symptoms associated with alcoholism include elevated liver enzymes, an enlarged liver, drinking by yourself or in secret, alcohol cravings, blackouts, irritability, withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness and anxiety and liver disease. The UMMC states that certain risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing alcoholism, including drinking more than one or two drinks per day, being under stress, smoking cigarettes and being male.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure can cause increased liver enzymes and an enlarged liver. The Texas Heart Institute, or THI -- a Houston, Texas-based not-for-profit cardiology and heart surgery center -- states that heart failure is an inability of your heart to pump a sufficient volume of oxygen-rich blood to your body's tissues and organs. The THI states that heart failure usually develops gradually. In fact, you may go for years without experiencing any symptoms, although congestive heart failure symptoms tend to get worse over time. Common signs and symptoms associated with congestive heart failure include increased liver enzymes, enlarged liver, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in your feet and ankles, decreased exercise capacity, persistent cough or wheezing, abdominal swelling, sudden weight gain, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A can cause elevated liver enzymes and hepatomegaly. According to MayoClinic.com, hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A causes inflammation that impairs your liver's ability to function. Hepatitis A is usually contracted by consuming contaminated food or water or from close contact with an infected person. MayoClinic.com states that mild cases of hepatitis A do not require any treatment. Most people with hepatitis A make a full recovery with no lasting liver damage. Common signs and symptoms associated with hepatitis A include increased liver enzymes, enlarged liver, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, decreased appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, muscle pain, itching and jaundice, or yellowing of your skin and eyes. According to MayoClinic.com, acute liver failure is a possible complication associated with hepatitis A.
