A Study on Hepatic aminotransferases among elderly hypertensive patients: a population based observation

Abstract

Background: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are the principal hepatic enzymes in clinical laboratory setup. ALT and AST are elevated in various types of hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatic neoplasia. Recently, in some studies, the elevation of ALT has been observed in hypertension (HTN) and metabolic syndrome. Objective: To study the relationship of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) with elderly hypertensive patients. Materials and methods: 95 elderly patients aged between 50 to 75 years of either sex and 92 age and sex matched control individuals were recruited into the study, after obtaining their informed consent. Serum AST and ALT levels of both the groups were analysed statistically. Results: Serum ALT level was significantly higher in HTN group than in control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in AST levels was observed in two groups. Conclusion: ALT, beside its potential as a marker of hepatic disorders, may also be useful for timely detection of HTN and its subsequent deleterious consequences among elderly population. 

Key words: ALT, AST, Hypertension