what causes elevated alkaline phosphatase levels in the body
While alkaline phosphatase may not necessarily cause harm to the body itself, elevated levels are associated with cancer, bone, liver, and kidney diseases (R). High liver alkaline phosphatase levels are associated with bile duct obstruction and liver cancer. The presence of liver alkaline phosphatase in patients may indicate the presence of a tumor in the bile duct (R).
Elevated alkaline phosphatase levels are associated with a higher risk for heart disease. In a prospective study of more than 3000 elderly men, the higher alkaline phosphatase levels predict higher risks of heart attacks, strokes, and increase mortality (R).