Researchers at the University of Michigan have uncovered a surprising connection between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart disease in individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI).
The study revealed that people with NAFLD and a normal BMI are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those with NAFLD who are overweight or obese.
NAFLD is a condition where fat accumulates in liver cells, even in people who consume little to no alcohol. While it is more commonly found in individuals who are overweight or obese, it can also affect people with normal weight.
NAFLD can lead to serious health issues, including diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and heart disease. Despite its prevalence, little research has focused on how NAFLD affects people with a normal BMI.
Key Findings from the Study
The research team analyzed medical data from over 10,000 adults diagnosed with NAFLD at the University of Michigan Hospital between 2012 and 2021. They categorized patients into four BMI groups:
- Lean (BMI 18.5–24.9)
- Overweight (BMI 25–29.9)
- Class 1 obesity (BMI 30–34.9)
- Class 2–3 obesity (BMI ≥35)
The study compared rates of liver-related diseases, heart diseases, metabolic disorders, and kidney problems across these groups. The researchers discovered that lean patients with NAFLD had fewer cases of cirrhosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels than patients in the other groups.
However, lean individuals showed a higher prevalence of heart-related conditions, including peripheral vascular disease, stroke-related vascular disease, and general heart disease.
This was an unexpected finding, as the team had assumed that lean individuals would have a lower prevalence of both metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. The higher rate of heart disease among lean individuals with NAFLD suggests that having a normal BMI does not necessarily protect against heart problems.
Why This Matters
The reasons behind this link remain unclear, but the findings highlight the need for increased awareness among healthcare providers.
Physicians often focus on NAFLD in overweight and obese patients, but this study emphasizes that lean individuals with NAFLD may also face serious health risks. Ignoring these risks could lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
The researchers plan to conduct further studies to better understand how NAFLD in lean individuals contributes to heart disease. They aim to follow patients over time to determine if lean individuals with NAFLD have a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those with higher BMIs.
Tips for Reducing Heart Disease Risk with NAFLD
If you have NAFLD, taking proactive steps to protect your heart health is crucial, regardless of your BMI. Here are some ways to reduce your risk of heart disease:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
While lean individuals can develop NAFLD, maintaining a stable, healthy weight helps support overall health. - Follow a Balanced Diet
Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and processed ingredients. - Stay Active
Regular physical activity can improve liver health and lower your risk of heart disease. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. - Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High blood pressure and cholesterol are significant risk factors for heart disease. Work with your doctor to keep these levels in check. - Quit Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and raises the risk of heart disease. Stopping smoking can significantly improve your overall health. - Manage Other Conditions
If you have diabetes or other chronic conditions, work with your healthcare team to manage them effectively. - Regular Check-Ups
Routine medical visits can help monitor NAFLD and detect early signs of heart disease or other complications.
A Call for Greater Awareness
This study, led by Karn Wijarnpreecha and published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, underscores the importance of addressing NAFLD in all individuals, regardless of weight.
By understanding the potential risks and taking preventive steps, people with NAFLD can improve both their liver and heart health.
If you’re concerned about NAFLD or heart health, consider speaking with your doctor about lifestyle changes and strategies tailored to your individual needs. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing these conditions and improving your overall well-being.
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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