Which lab values would indicate alcohol abuse?

Elevated levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) are strong indicators of alcohol abuse. In individuals who consume alcohol excessively, these liver enzymes are commonly elevated because the liver is impaired in its ability to metabolize substances.

Specifically, AST and ALT are enzymes found in liver cells, and when the liver is damaged due to alcohol, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated lab values. GGT is particularly sensitive to alcohol use, and increased levels can reflect chronic alcohol consumption or recent binge drinking. The presence of elevated ALT, AST, and GGT together in a clinical setting commonly prompts evaluation for possible alcohol-related liver disease.

In contrast, elevated HDL and LDL levels are not directly indicative of alcohol abuse but are more related to lipid metabolism. Low levels of ALT, AST, and GGT do not align with alcohol abuse, as liver function tests typically signal damage or stress when alcohol is involved. Normal ALT levels with high bilirubin could indicate other conditions but would not specifically point towards alcohol abuse. Thus, the combination of elevated liver enzymes is the most informative in this context.