Ask a doctor on the topic of Sports medicine

Are GOT and GPT increased by physical exertion and muscle soreness?

August 24, 2018 | 30,00 EUR | answered by MD Felix Aaslepp

Good morning,
Yesterday I received the results of a blood test, in which the following values were significantly elevated:

GOT 165
GPT 89
LDH 317

This surprised me greatly, as I do not consume alcohol or drugs.

However, my general practitioner did not seem to believe me... .

In February, when a comprehensive blood test was done before an operation, these values were completely within the normal range. At that time, I had broken the metacarpal bone of my right ring finger and now have three screws in it.

In the 4 weeks leading up to the blood test, I did a lot of exercise.

I went swimming 3 times a week and to the gym 3 times a week.

At the gym, in the past few weeks, I initially trained for 20 minutes, later 30 minutes, on the stepper at level 125 and on the treadmill at 8 km/h. Then I would spend around 15-20 minutes on a rowing machine.

The sample was taken on a Tuesday (21.08.). On Thursday (16.08.) before the blood test, I did an extensive weight training session, which left me with very noticeable muscle soreness afterwards.

For example, over the weekend, I was unable to fully extend my arms due to the muscle soreness.

I also felt a noticeable pulling sensation in my chest and legs, but it was not as strong as in my arms.

I have read online that liver values can indeed be elevated due to physical exertion. I also found a study on this topic, which I will attach for you.

https://www.team-andro.com/dr-andro-nie-gestofft-und-doch-ne-kaputte-leber.html

The book "Laboratory Medicine. Clinic - Practice - Case Studies" also mentions a correlation between intense physical activity and elevated GOT and GPT values.

Both sources indicate that while GOT may be significantly elevated, GPT may only be slightly elevated following physical exertion.

For this reason, I am puzzled by my general practitioner's statement that there is no connection between my physical activity and the increase in these values.

Could my liver values have increased due to the physical activity of recent weeks and especially the intense weight training on 16.08. with subsequent muscle soreness?

MD Felix Aaslepp

Hello!
Thank you for your question. You have already done good research. GOT and LDH are also found in larger quantities in skeletal muscle and can therefore be caused by muscle soreness. GPT is relatively specific to the liver. However, the increase here is only relatively slight. Therefore, there is currently no cause for concern. Exercise is the most likely explanation. I recommend that you refrain from any exercise for a few days and have your lab values checked again through a repeat blood test. Most likely, the values will then be back within the normal range, confirming that the increase is only due to excessive exercise.
One more side note about your primary care physician: Unfortunately, most patients who consume alcohol in large quantities do not admit to it, and they come from all walks of life. The distinction is often difficult. Therefore, don't take your colleague's skepticism too harshly.
I wish you all the best!