Fatty liver or hepatic steatosis is a condition that occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver cells. This situation can occur due to various reasons, including excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, hepatitis, and diabetes.

Fatty liver is a common condition, affecting up to 25% and 50% of the population worldwide. Unfortunately, fatty liver can lead to several health complications, including liver failure, cirrhosis, and diabetes.

While these are the most considerable risks of fatty liver, a recent study revealed that sufferers are also twice as likely to experience heart failure as those who don’t suffer from the condition. In this article, we will look at the study’s findings and explore what they mean for fatty liver sufferers and their risk of heart failure.

The Study Findings

In their study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark studied more than 54,000 participants.

The team set out to study the link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart failure. Participants in the study took part in check-ups between 2003 and 2017, and the researchers followed their heart health for up to 14 years of the follow-up period.

By the end of the study, over 3,500 participants had been diagnosed with NAFLD, and 2,636 had become heart failure patients.

After studying the data, the researchers discovered that people with fatty liver disease were more than twice likely to develop heart failure than patients without a fatty liver.

Researchers noted that the association held even when accounting for other risk factors that could impact heart health, including body mass index, hypertension, and cholesterol levels. The study authors noted that the study’s findings show that individuals with fatty liver disease require close monitoring to prevent heart failure.

How Fatty Liver Disease Affects Heart Health

The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism and filtering toxins from the body.

When too much fat builds up in the liver, it reduces its capacity to perform these essential functions, leading to several health complications, including insulin resistance, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Moreover, researchers believe that fatty liver disease can impact heart health as well.

Fatty liver disease can lead to insulin resistance and abnormal levels of lipids (fats) in the blood. These conditions can cause inflammation that can spread throughout the body, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Additionally, people with fatty liver disease are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is also a significant risk factor for heart disease. Type 2 diabetes can lead to the formation of plaques on the inner walls of the blood vessels, making them less flexible and more prone to blockages that can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Managing Fatty Liver Disease to Reduce Heart Failure Risk

Although there is no cure for fatty liver disease, there are several things that sufferers can do to reduce their risk of heart failure. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the most effective method. This may include:.

Losing weight – Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for fatty liver disease, which, in turn, can lead to heart failure. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in reducing the risk of both conditions.
Exercising regularly – Exercise can help promote weight loss and improve insulin resistance, reducing the risk of both fatty liver disease and heart failure. The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Following a heart-healthy diet – Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars can help to improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels, and control blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of heart failure in people with fatty liver disease.
Avoiding alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of fatty liver disease. Therefore, people with NAFLD are encouraged to avoid alcohol altogether or limit their intake to the recommended levels.
Treating underlying medical conditions – People with NAFLD should receive adequate treatment for any underlying medical conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, to reduce their risk of heart failure.

The Bottom Line

Fatty liver disease is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although the condition itself may not be life-threatening, it can lead to several severe health complications, including heart failure.

A recent study revealed that people living with fatty liver disease are more than twice as likely to develop heart failure than those without the condition. Therefore, doctors should monitor fatty liver disease patients closely and encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce their risk of developing heart failure.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, can help reduce the risk of both conditions.