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Fatty liver disease and heart disease are two major conditions that sometimes have bearings on one another. Specific lifestyles, such as an improper diet, a lack of exercise, and obesity, are known to be associated with both conditions. Understanding the interrelation between fatty liver and heart disease is crucial for effective management and prevention. This blog will shed light on where the diseases overlap, relevant statistics, and the treatment options available at Continental Hospitals.
What is a fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is a condition in which a person's liver accumulates excess fat. It's broadly divided into two categories:
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This form of the disorder is the commonest and has nothing to do with alcohol consumption. It's mostly connected to conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Excessive drinking can lead to alcoholic-fatty liver disease. This variant of fatty liver can further advance to more severe liver damage conditions, such as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
What causes heart disease?
The term "heart disease" refers to a variety of conditions that impact blood vessels and the heart. Common heart conditions are:
Coronary Artery Disease, or CAD, occurs because of the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which further causes them to become narrower and significantly reduce the supply of blood to the heart.
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively due to water accumulation and other complications.
A stroke is a condition in which an artery blockage prevents blood from flowing into the brain.
The correlation between fatty liver disease and heart disease is significant:
Studies have provided solid evidence that the relationship between fatty liver disease and heart disease is also definitive. The relationship between the two diseases is described below:
COMMON RISK FACTORS: Both fatty liver disease and heart disease share common risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes, which contribute equally to the disease's progression.
Inflammation and oxidative stress: Liver fat disease may lead to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which damage blood vessels and promote the development of atherosclerosis—the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. This process raises the risk of developing heart disease.
Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is a common symptom or diagnosis of fatty liver disease. This is a troubling risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance results in an elevation of blood glucose and triglycerides, which additionally contributes to heart health issues.
Liver Dysfunction: Fatty liver disease itself can lead to liver dysfunction and, consequently, can affect the body's ability to metabolize fats and process toxins. This underlying dysfunction can also contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
Global and Indian stats
The global burden of fatty liver disease and heart disease is increasing.
The burden and popularity of the diseases will increase the impact they create, along with the urgency to overcome them.
Global burden:
Fatty liver disease: Nearly 25% of the world's population is at risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This will develop into a major liver disease known worldwide.
Heart Disease: Cardiovascular diseases remain the most lethal killer worldwide, claiming around 17.9 million lives per year, or 32%.
Indian Specific Statistics:
Fatty Liver Disease: According to estimates, the prevalence of NAFLD in India ranges from 9% to 30% of the population, with lifestyle-related issues making it more common in urban areas.
Heart Disease: Heart disease causes about 28% of all deaths in India and is among the leading causes of mortality. The increased incidence of diabetes and obesity is further contributing to the rise in heart disease.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms: Mostly, fatty liver disease is asymptomatic. Symptoms, if present, include general weakness, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss. The symptoms of heart disease are very subjective. Symptoms could be chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or swelling indicative of heart failure.
Diagnosis
Blood tests, imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI, and occasionally a liver biopsy are the main methods used to diagnose fatty liver disease.
Heart disease is diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical examination findings, electrocardiograms, stress tests, and echocardiograms as imaging techniques.
Management and Prevention
Lifestyle changes play a much more profound role in the pathogenesis of fatty liver diseases and heart diseases. However, some key lifestyle choices include:
Nutrition: A well-balanced diet with significant levels of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is quite effective in the prevention and management of the disease to maintain weight and, at the same time, help to improve liver and heart health.
Exercise: Regular physical activity will help with weight management, decrease inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health.
Avoid alcohol: Limiting or avoiding alcohol is necessary, particularly in cases where a fatty liver has already developed.
Medical Treatment:
Fatty Liver Disease: The goal is to treat associated disorders like obesity and diabetes. Physicians can prescribe pharmaceuticals for related diseases, but the mainstay of treatment remains lifestyle modification.
Heart disease treatment options could include medication for blood pressure and cholesterol management, lifestyle changes and in some cases, surgical interventions like angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Treatment Options at Continental Hospitals
Continental Hospital provides all the necessary care for fatty liver disease and heart disease. Here are some of their treatments:
Lifestyle Counseling: Personalized diet and exercise guidance to manage and possibly reverse fatty liver disease and improve cardiovascular health.
Advanced Diagnostic Services: Imaging and diagnostic tests to assess liver and cardiovascular conditions accurately. Expert management includes medications for liver disease and heart disease, as well as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Specialized Procedures: In severe cases, Continental Hospitals offers a variety of advanced interventional procedures and surgeries guided by a team of top specialists.
Conclusion
Fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease are interrelated conditions and potential high-risk factors for health. Grasping their correlation and staying proactive in management can make a world of difference in results. Every patient at Continental Hospitals in Hyderabad receives expert care through advanced treatment options.
Concerned about the link between fatty liver and heart disease? Schedule a consultation with our best Cardiologists and Gastroenterologists at Continental Hospitals today for personalized care!
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