Many health dangers may be associated with elevated liver enzymes. According to Dr. Dicken Weatherby, a naturopathic physician and author of the textbook "Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis," elevated liver enzymes -- aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase -- may signal a dangerous underlying health condition. If left untreated, these conditions can cause serious, life-threatening health complications.
Heart Attack
Heart attack is a potential danger associated with elevated liver enzymes. According to MayoClinic.com, a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a blood clot develops in one of your coronary arteries. Your coronary arteries are the blood vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood to your heart. If blood flow to your heart is disrupted, a portion of your heart muscle may die. Common signs and symptoms associated with heart attack include elevated liver enzymes, chest pain or pressure, pain throughout your upper body, neck and face, upper abdominal pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea and vomiting, fainting and feelings of impending doom. MayoClinic.com states that abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure and heart rupture are possible complications or dangers associated with heart attack. If your doctor suspects you are having a heart attack, she will order a blood test to check for increased liver enzymes.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a dangerous health condition that may be associated with elevated liver enzymes. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that celiac disease is a digestive condition that injures your small intestine and impairs your body's absorption of nutrients from your food. If you have celiac disease, you are unable to tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten may also be found in consumer products, such as medicines, vitamins and lip balms, states the NIDDK. Gluten toxicity, along with greater intestinal permeability, may cause liver abnormalities -- and increased liver enzymes -- in people with celiac disease. Common signs and symptoms associated with celiac disease include elevated liver enzymes, weight loss, abdominal bloating and pain, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, unexplained iron-deficiency anemia and bone and joint pain.
Muscular Dystrophy
Elevated liver enzymes can signal the presence of muscular dystrophy -- a dangerous, and progressive, health condition that can reduce life expectancy. According to MayoClinic.com, muscular dystrophy is a less common cause of elevated liver enzymes than certain other health conditions. Muscular dystrophy is a collection of inherited muscle conditions in which your muscle fibers are vulnerable to damage. Muscular dystrophy is characterized by the progressive weakening of voluntary, skeletal muscles. Common signs and symptoms include elevated liver enzymes, weakness in your lower leg muscles, a waddling gait, large calf muscles, frequent falling and difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position. MayoClinic.com states that damaged muscles release enzymes into your blood. Elevated enzyme levels in your blood may suggest a muscle disease, such as muscular dystrophy. There is currently no known cure for muscular dystrophy.
