What is what level of ggt is dangerous?

There's no single "dangerous" level of Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) that applies to everyone. GGT levels are interpreted in context with other factors, including:

  • Individual's health history: Someone with a pre-existing liver condition will have a different interpretation of their GGT levels than a healthy individual.
  • Other blood test results: GGT is often measured alongside other liver enzymes (like ALT and AST) and bilirubin. Elevated GGT alone might not be alarming, but combined with elevated levels of other liver enzymes, it suggests a problem.
  • Symptoms: The presence or absence of symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, or dark urine significantly impacts the interpretation.
  • Cause of elevation: The reason behind the elevated GGT is critical. Some causes are benign (e.g., certain medications), while others are serious (e.g., liver disease, alcohol abuse).

Generally speaking:

  • Normal range: Normal GGT levels vary between labs, but are typically between 9-48 IU/L for men and 5-30 IU/L for women. However, these are just guidelines; a slightly elevated value in a healthy individual isn't necessarily a cause for concern.
  • Mildly elevated: Levels slightly above the normal range may warrant further investigation but don't automatically indicate a serious problem. The doctor might order additional tests or recommend lifestyle changes (like reducing alcohol intake).
  • Significantly elevated: Levels considerably above the normal range (often several times higher) strongly suggest a problem, often involving liver damage or disease. This could be caused by various conditions including alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, or certain cancers.

It's crucial to understand: GGT levels alone don't diagnose a specific condition. They serve as a clue that further investigation is needed. A healthcare professional must interpret the results in the context of a patient's complete medical history, other lab results, and physical examination findings. If you have concerns about your GGT levels, you must discuss them with your doctor. They can determine the significance of your results and recommend appropriate next steps.