Can strenuous exercise increase ast levels. i did intense core abs abdominal exercises days before and the day before having labs drawn? ast was 54, alt is 21. hcv not detected. abdomen is sore post workout. no jaundice no ascites. no drink alcohol?

If liver enzymes are going up with an acute condition, ALT is more sensitive than AST. I doubt if your strenuous ab exercise cause the liver enzyme change, lab error is more likely. You can have blood retested.

Strenuous exercise is known to damage red blood cells and red blood cell release AST on lysis. So the exercise does explain the enzyme results. ALT being normal is further assurance that it is not from liver damage.

I have seen strenuous exercise cause elevation of CRP on numerous occasions but I haven't seen associated elevation of AST or ALT but as has been pointed out by Dr. S and others it has been reported. I recommend checking your AST&ALT in a week or two and if the AST is still elevated, in my opinion, you must be evaluated for liver disease.