Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) often goes unnoticed as it is a silent condition with no apparent symptoms.

It is a condition where there is an excessive build-up of fat in the liver that doesn’t have a significant amount of alcohol present. A recent study has identified the link between unrecognized NAFLD and heart health risks.

What is NAFLD?

NAFLD is a metabolic disorder that involves the accumulation of excess fat in the liver and is not caused by alcohol. NAFLD is often diagnosed by chance when an ultrasound or a liver blood test taken during routine checkups show an abnormality.

People with NAFLD condition do not feel any specific symptoms of the disease. Therefore, the disease can progress to severe conditions and lead to clinical evidence of liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. NAFLD is then diagnosed through a combination of liver imaging and blood tests.

The study linking NAFLD and heart health

The study reported in the Journal of Hepatology involved a group of 4,659 Korean adults who underwent routine medical checkups between March 2011 and February 2013.

All participants had no history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and alcohol consumption. Out of 4,659 individuals, 40% (1,860) showed NAFLD. The study results identified a link between the chance of having a heart problem and NAFLD.

People with NAFLD had increased chances of suffering from heart disease, including coronary heart disease and heart attacks.

Risk factors for NAFLD

The highest risk of developing NAFLD is due to the following factors:.

Obesity and overweight
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels

The accumulation of fat in the liver is linked with insulin resistance, and NAFLD and insulin resistance can stimulate each other and cause more damage if untreated. Insulin resistance is one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes.

Preventing NAFLD

The following preventive measures can minimize the risk of developing NAFLD:.

A healthy diet that focuses on reducing sugar, fatty, and processed foods
Daily exercise, for example, brisk walking for 30 to 40 minutes regularly
Healthy weight management for overweight and obesity through a balanced diet and regular exercise
Avoid alcohol and smoking.

How to manage NAFLD?

The following changes can help manage NAFLD:.

Lifestyle changes and managing the underlying cause of NAFLD, such as diabetes or high cholesterol levels
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help reverse NAFLD.
Medications can help reduce liver inflammation and may help improve insulin resistance and control diabetes.
If the condition is severe and complications are developing, liver transplantation may be required.

Early diagnosis of liver disease is key

Liver diseases such as NAFLD can go unnoticed for years when there are no apparent symptoms. Therefore, early diagnosis through blood tests and liver imaging is crucial to prevent severe complications.

Blood tests for liver function are an essential part of annual medical checkups. Individuals with comorbid conditions such as obesity and diabetes should be especially cautious about their liver health and follow up with their doctor if they experience any signs of liver disease.

Conclusion

NAFLD is a condition that is often unrecognized and is associated with increased risks of heart disease, including coronary heart disease and heart attacks.

A healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol help minimize the risk of NAFLD. Early diagnosis and regular checkups are essential to prevent severe complications. Individuals with comorbid conditions such as diabetes and obesity should be particularly cautious about their liver health and follow up with their doctor regularly.