Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. Its prevalence has surged due to higher rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and unhealthy eating habits.
Most individuals show no symptoms, which means the condition often remains undiagnosed until identified through medical imaging or blood tests.
Traditional medical knowledge links fatty liver disease with increased risk of severe liver complications as it worsens. Recently, research suggests the impacts extend beyond the liver itself.
Additional evidence indicates it may play a role in elevating the risk of heart disease—the leading cause of death among those with fatty liver disease.
A recent study from the Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute reinforces this connection.
Published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the study highlights that standard heart CT scans might offer insights into liver health and future cardiovascular risks.
The study analyzed data from 3,637 participants in the large PROMISE trial, which evaluated patients undergoing assessments for chest pain. During cardiac CT scans, parts of the liver are visible, enabling researchers to detect fatty liver disease while also examining coronary artery health.
More than 25% of those studied had fatty liver disease. These individuals also showed greater amounts of noncalcified plaque in their coronary arteries—a softer, more dangerous type of buildup that is more prone to rupture and cause heart attacks.
Compared to those without fatty liver, affected participants had a 24% increase in noncalcified plaque and a 15% overall rise in artery plaque. These differences point to earlier and more aggressive changes in the heart’s vessels linked to fatty liver disease.
Participants were followed for a median of about two years. During this period, those with fatty liver experienced nearly double the rate of major cardiovascular events—including heart attacks, death, or hospital stays for unstable angina—compared to those without the condition.
Even after adjusting for factors like age, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, fatty liver disease was associated with a 69% increased likelihood of serious heart problems. Part of this risk seems to be connected to the presence of high-risk noncalcified plaque, suggesting a biological link between liver disease and cardiovascular issues.
Dr. Jan Brendel, the lead researcher, emphasized that fatty liver should be viewed as more than a liver problem. Since it can often be observed during routine cardiac scans, doctors might identify patients who could benefit from preventative measures before severe heart disease develops. Future studies are exploring whether treatments like high-potency statins or GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce dangerous plaque buildup in these patients.
While the study’s strength lies in its large sample size and detailed imaging techniques, it is observational, meaning it shows association, not direct causation, between fatty liver disease and heart conditions.
Nevertheless, these results support the idea that fatty liver is an important warning sign for cardiovascular health. They underline the importance of early screening and preventative care for individuals affected by liver fat accumulation.
If you’re interested in heart health, consider reading about the best foods for a stronger heart, or how oranges may help combat obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For additional insights, explore recent articles on creating a simple 7-day meal plan for diabetes or why incorporating black beans into your diet can be beneficial.
Source: Mass General Brigham.