Why Fatty Liver Disease Is A Red Flag For Your Heart Health

WHO stated that the leading cause of death worldwide can be attributed to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with about 18 million people with CVD dying every year. At the same time, metabolic diseases like fatty liver disease have also been on the rise in the last few decades, affecting over 25% of adults worldwide. It is now believed that fatty liver disease can be a major contributor to severe heart complications and CVDs, and the two are believed to be highly related. Today, fatty liver is not just considered a liver problem. It is associated with deep-rooted problems such as blood pressure regulation, cholesterol management, and insulin resistance. It mainly stems from lifestyle choices, poor diet, and alcohol consumption.

What you need to know:

How are fatty liver and heart health linked?
How to manage fatty liver disease?

How are fatty liver and heart health linked?

Fatty liver disease impairs liver function through excess fat buildup in the liver. Inflammation and liver damage occur when the condition progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This impact is now believed not to be limited to the liver alone but also heart health and can lead to heart attack. Patients with fatty liver are at a significantly higher risk of heart disease. Chronic inflammation due to a fatty liver can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Even in the absence of high cholesterol or diabetes, fatty liver can be an independent risk factor for poor heart health, and thus, such patients need monitoring of cardiac function.

A primary factor in heart disease due to fatty liver is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can raise the levels of fatty acids and glucose in the blood, which in turn can increase the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries. Moreover, high levels of inflammatory markers such as c-reactive protein further increase the risk of heart disease. The regulation of lipid metabolism plays an important role in the liver. During conditions like fatty liver, an overload of fat impairs the liver’s ability to eliminate lipids, increasing harmful cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. This increases the risk of plaque formation in the arteries and heart attacks.

How to manage fatty liver disease?

The main aim in dealing with fatty liver is getting rid of the excess fat from the liver and refraining from things that irritate the organ. Medication is an important course of action if the situation demands it, but good nutrition and lifestyle changes are essential when managing fatty liver. Here are some ways to manage fatty liver effectively:

Exercise and weight loss

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Two of the major factors behind fatty liver are obesity and an inactive lifestyle. Losing body weight can help get rid of the excess fat buildup from your liver. It can further reduce inflammation and scarring. A sedentary lifestyle is also a contributor to fat buildup. Getting 30-45 minutes of exercise for 4-5 days a week can help manage obesity and prevent heart disease.

Nutrition

Nutrition will play the most vital role in managing and treating your fatty liver. Consume a diet containing fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and fish. Legumes like lentils, pulses, and beans, and a diet with whole grains can work wonders. Most importantly, avoid sugary drinks and foods with added sugar.

Drinking coffee

Coffee can have protective benefits since it can help the liver produce enzymes that can fight inflammation. Consuming black coffee without added sugar can lower the risk of liver disease and reduce liver damage.

Omega-3 supplements

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Certain fats are categorized as good fats and can be beneficial to the body. Polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids can aid heart and liver health. They are found in nuts, seeds, and oily fish. Omega-3 supplements can reduce liver fat and improve cholesterol levels.

Presently, good diet and lifestyle changes are the best ways to deal with fatty liver and heart health.

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