Recent research from the University of Michigan has uncovered a surprising connection between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and an increased risk of heart disease, even in people with a normal body mass index (BMI).
This finding challenges the common belief that heart disease is primarily a concern for those who are overweight or obese, suggesting that individuals with a normal BMI but who have NAFLD may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular problems than previously thought.
NAFLD is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells, occurring in individuals who consume little to no alcohol. It is a growing health concern globally and can lead to severe complications, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cirrhosis of the liver.
While NAFLD is more prevalent among people who are overweight or obese, it also affects those with a normal BMI, a group that has been less studied until now.
In this study, researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 adults diagnosed with NAFLD at the University of Michigan Hospital between 2012 and 2021.
They compared the prevalence of various health conditions, including cirrhosis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and chronic kidney disease, among four groups classified by BMI: lean (BMI of 18.5 to 24.9), overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9), class 1 obesity (BMI of 30 to 34.9), and class 2-3 obesity (BMI of 35 to just under 40).
The study found that lean individuals with NAFLD had a lower prevalence of conditions like cirrhosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia (an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood) compared to those who were overweight or obese.
However, the lean group showed a higher prevalence of cardiovascular issues, including peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease (affecting blood flow to the brain), and heart disease.
This finding was unexpected, as the researchers initially hypothesized that individuals with a normal BMI would have a lower risk of metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.
The discovery that lean patients with NAFLD are more prone to heart disease was particularly surprising and suggests that NAFLD itself, independent of obesity, may significantly contribute to cardiovascular risk.
Given these results, the researchers emphasize the importance of not overlooking lean patients with NAFLD when assessing cardiovascular risk. These individuals may be facing serious health risks similar to those experienced by overweight or obese patients.
The study authors recommend that healthcare providers remain vigilant in monitoring and managing cardiovascular health in patients with NAFLD, regardless of their BMI.
The research team, led by Karn Wijarnpreecha, plans to conduct further studies to follow patients over the long term. These future studies aim to determine whether lean patients with NAFLD are at an even higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases as time progresses.
Tips to Prevent Heart Disease If You Have NAFLD
If you have been diagnosed with NAFLD, taking proactive steps to protect your heart health is crucial. Here are some strategies to help prevent heart disease:
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Even though this study shows that NAFLD can be risky at any weight, keeping a healthy weight through diet and exercise is still essential for overall health and can help manage NAFLD.
Follow a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support both liver and heart health. It’s important to limit foods high in saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and processed ingredients.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can improve liver function and reduce the risk of heart disease. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, such as walking, cycling, or swimming.
Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: High blood pressure and high cholesterol are significant risk factors for heart disease. Regular monitoring and working with your doctor to manage these conditions are crucial.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart health.
Manage Other Health Conditions: If you have conditions like diabetes, it’s important to manage them effectively. Poorly controlled diabetes can further increase the risk of heart disease.
Regular Medical Check-Ups: Routine check-ups allow for early detection and management of potential health issues. Discuss with your healthcare provider the best strategies for monitoring your liver and heart health.
By adopting these lifestyle changes, you can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, even if you have NAFLD.
The study conducted by Karn Wijarnpreecha and colleagues, published in a leading medical journal, sheds new light on the risks associated with NAFLD and underscores the importance of considering cardiovascular health in all patients with this liver condition, regardless of their body weight.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about simple habit that could give you a healthy liver, and common diabetes drug that may reverse liver inflammation.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about simple blood test that could detect your risk of fatty liver disease, and results showing this green diet may strongly lower non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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