Hepatic Health

The liver is one of the largest organs in the human body, and it is very important as it performs many functions in the human body, the most important liver functions are:

Bile production

One of the most important functions of the liver is its role in producing the juice necessary for the digestion process, and the juice consists of salts, bilirubin, cholesterol and water.

This juice helps the small intestine analyze food and absorb fats, cholesterol and some vitamins

Blood clotting

The liver plays a role in the process of blood clotting, and the relationship in this process comes from vitamin K, as the liver juice that we mentioned earlier is necessary for the process of absorbing vitamin K.

In case that the liver does not produce adequate amounts of this juice, the production of blood clotting factors will be less in turn

Bilirubin metabolism

We have mentioned that liver juice contains bilirubin, which results from the process of analyzing hemoglobin, which is an important substance for the functioning of the liver and its functions.

It should be noted that the iron that is produced from the analysis of hemoglobin is stored in the liver or bone marrow in order to use it later in the formation of red blood cells.

Fat and carbohydrate metabolism

The juice produced by the liver has a major role in supporting and facilitating the digestion process. It helps to break down and metabolize fats, which makes it easier to digest.

Metabolism of carbohydrates and fats

As for carbohydrates, they are stored in the liver, and there they decompose into glucose, and infiltrate with the bloodstream in order to maintain the level of glucose in the body.

Storage of minerals and vitamins

The liver stores various vitamins and minerals, the most important of which are vitamin A, E, D, K, B12, iron and copper.

Protein metabolism and breakdown

Manufacture of the hormone angiotensinogen, which raises blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels.

Your doctor can know the health of your liver through a set of blood tests that measure the levels of liver proteins and enzymes and bilirubin in the blood to assess the health of the liver and check its general health. Liver function analysis helps in the following:

• Evaluate how well the liver is functioning.
• Diagnose liver disease and check the extent of damage to it.
• Monitor the progression of liver disease.
• Monitor how well treatment for liver disease is working

When your Family physician will order liver function tests for you?

Liver function analysis is not a routine test, or one that a doctor requires on an ongoing basis. It is often required by the doctor in the following cases:

• In cases of liver infection, such as: hepatitis B and hepatitis C, in order to check for damage caused by this infection
• Monitoring the progression of the disease or the success of a particular treatment in cases of liver disease.
• Monitoring the side effects of some drugs that affect the liver, such as: statins, Antibiotics, tuberculosis medications, anti-seizure medications, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Appearance of symptoms of liver disorders, most notably: jaundice, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine color, light stool color, and fatigue.
• Having a family history of liver disease, such as fatty liver.
• People who drink alcohol continuously and frequently
• People suffering from gallbladder disease.
• People with certain diseases, such as: diabetes, pressure, anemia, and high body fat

The most important liver function tests:

Common types of liver function tests include:

Alanine transaminase (ALT)

It is an enzyme found mainly in the liver, and helps break down proteins, and its high levels indicate damage to the liver

Aspartate transaminase (AST)

It is another liver enzyme, and elevated levels indicate liver damage or liver disease

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

This enzyme is found in the liver, bones, and bile ducts, and high levels are indicative of disease, liver damage, bone disease, or bile duct obstruction.

Albumin

It is a protein that is synthesized in the liver, and its low levels indicate liver damage or disease

Total protein

The liver produces two types of proteins: albumin and globulin. Low levels of these proteins indicate liver damage or liver disease.

Bilirubin

It is a waste product produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver cleans the body of bilirubin, so high levels indicate liver damage.

Prothrombin time

Measures the time it takes for blood to clot (this process depends on liver proteins), and high numbers indicate liver damage or other conditions

We at Capital Home Health Care offer you a package that helps you to monitor the health of your liver.

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1. Phone: Reach out to Capital Home Care directly at +966 12 227 6270 (Office) or +966 9200 10 689 (Toll-Free)
2. Website: You can submit a request by clicking HERE 
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4. Visit in Branch: Alternatively, you can also visit Capital Home Care's office at 7846 Hira - 2488 An Nahda District - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Office hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday through Thursday.

Once your request is received, a member of the Capital Home Care team will conduct an initial consultation to determine the specific needs of the patient. Following a comprehensive assessment, a tailored care plan is designed and implemented, ensuring the highest standard of home healthcare delivery.

Whether you are searching for a home care nurse, in-home physiotherapy, doctor-on-call, home lab, or extended home care services, Capital Home Care is your reliable partner in ensuring optimal health and well-being for you and your loved ones.

REFERENCES:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/liver-function-tests
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-function-tests/about/pac-20394595
• https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/liver-function-tests/#:~:text=What%20are%20liver%20function%20tests,overall%20health%20of%20your%20liver.
• https://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/liver-function-test-lft
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17662-liver-function-tests