What should a patient be told about an elevated Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) level of 180?

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Last updated: May 14, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Your elevated GGT level of 180 indicates potential liver stress or damage, which could be caused by alcohol consumption, certain medications, or other liver conditions, and we should investigate this further with additional tests, as suggested by the most recent guidelines 1. We should discuss possible lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake, reviewing your medications, and adopting a healthier diet, to help improve your liver health and bring this value back to normal range, considering that GGT is a sensitive marker for alcohol consumption and liver damage, with a sensitivity of 73% for detection of daily ethanol consumption >50 g, as reported in a study published in the Journal of Hepatology 1.

From the Research

Patient Information

  • A GGT level of 180 may indicate liver injury or disease, and it is essential to discuss the results with a healthcare professional 2.
  • The patient should be informed that elevated GGT levels have been linked to various chronic conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and that further testing and evaluation may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the elevated GGT level 2, 3.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Gamma-glutamyltransferase-friend or foe within?

Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver, 2016

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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