Forget what you thought you knew about fatty liver disease. It’s not just a concern for your liver; it’s intricately tied to your heart health. A groundbreaking study led by Professor Mei-Hsuan Lee of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU)’s Institute of Clinical Medicine has, for the first time, systematically quantified the strong link between fatty liver disease (formally known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD) and major cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction (heart attack), ischemic stroke, and heart failure.
The study, titled “Attributable Burden of Steatotic Liver Disease on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Asia,” published recently in JHEP Reports, a journal of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), is one of its largest and longest follow-up studies. It tracked over 300,000 Taiwanese adults aged 30 and above, filling a crucial gap in evidence regarding the link between MASLD and cardiovascular risk in Asia. The findings offer vital insights for public health policy and clinical practice.
Unraveling the Hidden Connection Between Heart and Liver
The results are stark: Individuals with MASLD face nearly a 30% increased risk of developing any cardiovascular disease compared to those without. The risk for myocardial infarction (heart attack) is even more pronounced, soaring by 46%.
The research team further estimated that effectively preventing and controlling fatty liver disease could reduce heart attack incidence by approximately 12% and cardiovascular disease events by 8%. This underscores that MASLD isn’t just a marker for liver problems; it’s a significant indicator of cardiovascular risk.
A Systemic Threat: More Than Just a MASLD
“With the successful implementation of hepatitis B vaccination policies and the widespread use of antiviral drugs for chronic hepatitis B and C, viral hepatitis’s impact on liver cancer has gradually diminished,” explains Professor Lee. “MASLD is now rapidly becoming the primary cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer.”
She emphasizes that the liver acts as the body’s metabolic hub, closely linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and diabetes. This highlights that MASLD is a systemic condition, reflecting broader metabolic abnormalities.
The Silent Epidemic: Time to Take Action
Currently, the prevalence of MASLD in Taiwanese adults is around 30%, with a noticeable trend affecting younger populations. Many individuals who discover they have MASLD during health check-ups often overlook its potential risks due to a lack of apparent symptoms.
“MASLD can be detected early and reversed through lifestyle changes,” Professor Lee stresses. “Through this research, we hope to raise public awareness about the systemic risks posed by MASLD, fostering a greater understanding of prevention and early screening to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases ultimately.”
Source : NYCU News
