Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat in the world. It affects more than 64 million people globally and becomes more common as people get older.
In AFib, the heart beats in an uneven and often fast rhythm, which can reduce how well it pumps blood. Over time, this can lead to serious problems, including heart failure, stroke, and other complications.
Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It can cause symptoms such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs.
For people with AFib, the risk of developing heart failure is already high. However, new research suggests that another condition—fatty liver disease—may further increase this risk.
Fatty liver disease, now often called steatotic liver disease, happens when too much fat builds up in the liver. The liver is an important organ that helps process nutrients, remove toxins, and regulate many body functions. When fat accumulates in the liver, it can lead to inflammation and damage over time.
There are different types of fatty liver disease. One type is linked mainly to metabolic problems such as obesity, high blood sugar, and insulin resistance.
This is known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD. Another type, called MetALD, involves both metabolic issues and higher alcohol intake. The most severe form, alcoholic liver disease, or ALD, is mainly caused by heavy alcohol use.
Although these liver conditions are common, their connection with heart problems has not been fully understood. To explore this, researchers from Korea University carried out a large nationwide study.
The team, led by Professor Seogsong Jeong, analyzed health data from 7,543 adults aged 60 and older who had AFib. These individuals were followed for about nine years to see how their health changed over time.
The study, published in the European Journal of Heart Failure, found a clear and important pattern. People with any type of fatty liver disease had a higher risk of developing heart failure compared to those without liver problems. The level of risk depended on the type of liver disease.
Among the different groups, people with MASLD had the lowest increase in risk, while those with MetALD had a higher risk. The highest risk was seen in people with alcoholic liver disease. This suggests that both metabolic problems and alcohol-related damage can add to the strain on the heart.
The researchers also found that the risk increased gradually with certain health factors. These included higher levels of fat in the liver, greater alcohol intake, and higher blood sugar levels. This pattern, known as a dose-response relationship, means that the more severe these factors are, the greater the risk of heart failure.
These findings support a growing idea known as the “liver-heart connection.” Scientists are beginning to understand that the liver and the heart are closely linked. When the liver is not healthy, it can affect the whole body.
For example, liver problems can lead to inflammation, changes in blood vessels, and stress on the heart. These effects may make it easier for heart disease to develop or worsen.
Professor Jeong explained that fatty liver disease can develop through different pathways, including metabolic issues and alcohol use. These pathways may influence how AFib progresses and how likely a person is to develop heart failure. Understanding these differences can help doctors better predict risk and choose the right treatments.
The study highlights the importance of looking beyond the heart when managing AFib. Traditionally, doctors focus on factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rhythm. However, this research suggests that liver health is also a key factor that should not be ignored.
In the future, doctors may include liver-related measures when assessing a patient’s risk of heart failure. This could help identify high-risk patients earlier and allow for more targeted care. For example, patients may benefit from lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar, and reducing alcohol intake.
Better screening for fatty liver disease may also become an important part of routine care for older adults with AFib. By detecting problems early, doctors can take steps to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Overall, this study provides strong evidence that the liver and heart are deeply connected. By paying attention to both organs, healthcare providers may be able to improve outcomes for people living with AFib. As research continues, a more integrated approach to treating heart and metabolic diseases could lead to better health and longer lives.
If you care about health, please read studies about the benefits of low-dose lithium supplements, and what we know about egg intake and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and results showing 6 best breads for people with heart disease.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
