Why lipase levels are high

Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice. For information about the 4th Angel Mentoring Program visit www. Toggle navigation. Spanish About Chemocare. Hyperlipasemia High Blood Lipase Level. The normal range for a blood lipase test varies slightly between laboratories.

Overall, lipase is most often elevated due to pancreas inflammation pancreatitis. But it can also be increased due to other underlying conditions that inflame the pancreas such as gallstones or gut issues or issues unrelated to pancreatic health, such as kidney disease [ 20 ]. Causes given below are commonly associated with high lipase levels. Work with your doctor or another health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.

Your doctor will interpret your lipase levels, taking into account your medical history, symptoms, and other test results. High lipase levels are linked to many serious and life-threatening conditions. If your levels are high, see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will run follow-up tests to discover the underlying cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Low levels of lipase can mean that your pancreas is not functioning well and is struggling to produce digestive enzymes. Causes below are commonly associated with low lipase levels. If you suspect that you have low lipase or digestive enzymes, see your doctor. To lower high lipase, you need to work with your doctor to address the underlying issue triggering the lipase increase.

This is most often pancreas inflammation. An inflamed pancreas is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention — your doctor will diagnose the problem and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Pancreatic lipase breaks down fats in the gut, which helps the body absorb and use them. Researchers have found that blocking the pancreatic lipase can reduce fat absorption, which aids weight loss [ 2 ]. Anti-obesity drugs that block pancreatic lipase are orlistat Xenical, Alli and cetilistat in clinical trials. According to a meta-analysis of 33 studies and almost 10k people , orlistat reduces body weight, blood cholesterol , and triglyceride levels [ 50 ].

Blood tests are the most common way of measuring lipase. A lipase test is usually in the form of a blood test. During a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. Lipase can also be measured in urine.

Usually, a lipase urine test can be taken at any time of day, with no special preparation needed. You may need to fast not eat or drink for 8—12 hours before a lipase blood test. If your health care provider has ordered a lipase urine test, be sure to ask if you need to follow any special instructions.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. A low level of lipase may mean there is damage to cells in the pancreas that make lipase.

This happens in certain chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis. If your lipase levels are not normal, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical condition needing treatment. Certain medicines, including codeine and birth control pills , can affect your lipase results.

If you have questions about your lipase test results, talk to your health care provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. A lipase test is commonly used to diagnose pancreatitis.