Severance Hospital’s extensive investigation has shown a strong link between risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Over 12 years, conducted on 7.3 million people, the study revealed that patients with chronic MAFLD were 57% more likely than non-CVD patients.
Previously referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), MAFLD is a disorder that quite accurately shows the interaction between fatty liver and metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes, and hypercholesterolaemia. About thirty percent of the population in South Korea is thought to be suffering with MAFLD, so public health issues of enormous scope become quite important there. Although the condition is mostly linked to liver damage, growing data indicates that it greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular events.
A team of Severance Hospital and Yonsei University College of Medicine experts as well as Professors Kim Seung-up, Lee Ho-kyou, Lee Hyeok-hee, and Professor Lee Han-ah from Chung-Ang University Hospital conducted the study. The effect of modifications in MAFLD level and cardiovascular risk factors on CVD development risk was investigated by the researchers.
Comparatively to the chronic disease group, individuals who had recently had MAFLD were at 28% higher risk of cardiovascular disease; those whose condition improved over time were at 16% lower risk. Increased risk was brought on by multiple cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, raised blood pressure, high blood sugar, low HDL, and high triglycerides. Presenting all five risk indicators, MAFLD patients were 2 times more likely to have CVD; if they followed these factors consistently over time, the risk increased to 2.6 times.
Emphasising the importance of the study, Professor Kim underlined how MAFLD status and cardiovascular risk factors help to explain heart disease over the long run. To lower cardiovascular risks in MAFLD patients, he underlined the need of ongoing surveillance and customised management plans.
Knowing more about metabolic health, researchers think early identification and treatment can help to reduce the burden of liver illness as well as complications from cardiovascular disease, hence improving general health outcomes.
