Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease And Heart Health: Understanding The Link Between The Two

NAFLD has become a silent epidemic affecting millions of people because of bad food choices, gene, poor lifestyle. L:et us understand how it is linked with your cardiovascular health.

Routine blood work, Liver function tests, Blood glucose levels, Lipid profile, Hepatitis B, C

Today is World Liver Day. Every year this day is marked to raise awareness regarding liver health and the diseases that come with poor liver health such as: fatty liver diseases, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Doctor Abhijit Borse, from the Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai says that, NAFLD has now become a silent epidemic which has been affecting millions of people across the world. A recent study conducted on liver health and cardiovascular health revealed that there may be an absolute link between the two diseases.

What Is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease happens when there is excess amount of fact accumulation in the liver and the surrounding areas. There are two types of liver disease: the first one is NAFLD and the second one is Alcoholic fatty liver disease. NAFLD can happen to anyone and it does not matter if he or she drinks alcohol or not. It is caused by very poor lifestyle and diet. The moist common cases of NAFLD happens to people who are obese or have other underlying diseases like diabetes or metabolic syndrome. However, recent research also indicates that NAFLD can happen to people who are not obese as well.

The Link Between NAFLD And Cardiovascular Health

Dr. Abhijit Borse, explains the several mechanisms that underpin the connection between NAFLD and cardiovascular risk. Read till the end to understand the link between the two:

1. Insulin resistance, a hallmark of NAFLD, triggers a cascade of metabolic derangements, including dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which contribute to atherosclerosis the underlying pathology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
2. NAFLD is linked with visceral adiposity. When the fat surrounds the internal organs, it increases systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. NAFLD increases triglycerides and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, increases risk of atherosclerosis and also can increase risk of plaque formation.
4. Doctor Bose says, "NAFLD can can independently lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes even when the traditional risk factors are not in the picture."
5. NAFLD can increase the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality among NAFLD patients.
6. NAFLD can also get triggered by health conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. It can lead to a vicious cycle of metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular compromise.