Hyperamylasemia (HIGH BLOOD AMYLASE LEVEL), & Hyperlipasemia (HIGH BLOOD LIPASE LEVEL)
What is hyperamylasemia?
Hyperamylasemia may be described as an excess of the pancreatic enzyme - amylase in the blood.
Digestion of your dietary intake of carbohydrates and fat relies on the action of amylase, found in the saliva, to begin the digestion of starches. At the same time, lipase from your gastric secretions breaks down the fat in your food.
Blood amylase and lipase levels are most frequently drawn to diagnose pancreatitis. When the pancreas is inflamed, increased blood levels of amylase and lipase, pancreatic enzymes, will result.
The normal level for amylase is 0-137 U/L. Normal values may vary from laboratory to laboratory.
There are many causes of hyperamylasemia. Some may include:
- Pancreatitis - also known as inflammation of the pancreas. This can cause amylase and lipase levels to be increased up to 3 times the normal limit. Both values should be increased, in order to carry the diagnosis of pancreatitis.
- Tumors - Amylase enzyme levels may be increased in some pancreas, salivary, prostate, lung and ovarian tumors.
- Gall bladder infection - Inflammation of the gall bladder (cholecystitis), may cause increased amylase levels, causing hyperamylasemia.
- Kidney failure can result in hyperamylasemia.
- Recent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) procedure can result in hyperamylasemia.
- Medications - some medications may lead to pancreatitis, which could cause hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia.
Your doctor or healthcare provider will diagnose hyperamylasemia or hyperlipasemia by drawing a tube of blood. If there is a suspicion of gall bladder, pancreas or kidney problems, an ultrasound of the gall bladder or pancreas, or a CAT scan of your abdomen, may also be performed.
You may be at risk for pancreatitis, including hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia, if you are:
- Extremely overweight (obese)
- Have high triglyceride levels in your blood
- Drink too much alcohol
- Have been diagnosed with gall bladder stones (which may block the flow of secretions from the pancreas to the intestines)
- Or have a family history of pancreatitis.
- What are some symptoms of hyperamylasemia to look for?
There are oftentimes no symptoms of hyperamylasemia, unless you develop pancreatitis or some other condition that may cause you to have pain, nausea or vomiting.
If your pancreas is inflamed due to pancreatitis, and your pancreas unable to produce insulin, you may have symptoms of diabetes. These include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme tiredness (fatigue), and weight loss. This is often temporary.
Symptoms of pancreatitis may include nausea, sweating and weakness. You may also notice pain in the middle of your chest, which may move or radiate to your back.
Things you can do to avoid/mitigate hyperamylasemia:
- Avoiding alcohol, and taking all the prescribed medications are the primary treatments for high blood amylase levels, if you are being followed in the outpatient department, and you have not been diagnosed with any kind of pancreatitis. Follow all of your healthcare provider's instructions.
- If you are diagnosed with pancreatitis, your healthcare provider may admit you to the hospital. There, they will give you lots of fluids in your vein (IV), provide medication to control your pain, and give you medication to control you nausea and vomiting. You may not be able to eat at first, to give your stomach a rest, but then you will be ordered a diet of foods that can be easily digested.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol use will irritate your pancreas and liver, and may cause interactions with medications.
- Follow a diet that is low in fat, low in red meat, and high in fiber.
- Make sure you tell your doctor, as well as all healthcare providers, about any other medications you are taking (including over-the-counter, vitamins, or herbal remedies).