What Can Your AST to ALT Ratio Tell You?

The ratio of AST to ALT, also known as the De Ritis ratio, can provide some information liver health, muscle damage, and even cardiometabolic risk.

Both AST and ALT are metabolic enzymes that normally maintain consistent levels and ratios in the blood. However, in the event of tissue damage or dysfunction, the enzymes can be released into the bloodstream where they  provide clues about health risks.

The AST:ALT ratio will increase in the event of muscle breakdown, progressive liver disease and fibrosis, and ischemic heart damage. A ratio rising to 2 or above may be associated with severe alcoholic liver disease or coronary occlusion.

The ratio may be decreased in metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Additional biomarkers should be assessed in the evaluation of these conditions including fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and triglyceride levels.

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