What can elevated liver enzymes in a blood test indicate?

Elevated liver enzymes in a blood test can indicate possible liver damage or disease because these enzymes are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are injured or inflamed. The most commonly measured enzymes in this context are alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). High levels of these enzymes often suggest that the liver is not functioning properly, which could be due to various conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis.

Choosing this answer reflects an understanding of how the liver's health can be assessed through biochemical markers in the blood. While other conditions such as high cholesterol, kidney dysfunction, and anemia are significant health concerns, they are not directly related to elevated liver enzyme levels, making them less relevant in this context. Elevated liver enzymes are specifically associated with liver health, making the identification of liver damage or disease the most appropriate interpretation when such elevations are noted.