Last year my alt was 33 and ast 24. this year alt was 51 and ast 28. i drink, on average, 15-20 drinks per week. should i be concerned with the elevation and cut back? possible viral hepatitis?

Would quit alcohol: You could have viral hepatitis, or could be taking a medicine causing liver injury like tylenol (acetaminophen) or a statin. However, the elevated alt is bothersome. Either way need to make a crucial decision to quit once and for all. Alcohol would ruin an otherwise promising life. I am sure, the doc who checked your lab is going to check your hepatitis panel.

Oh my yes! Thank you: Regardless of the cause of your abnormal liver tests (for which evaluation is certainly warranted and encouraged) it behooves you to curtail alcohol intake. Your liver is sick--why are you making it work harder with alcohol (you don't run a marathon when you need rest to recover from a cold, right?).