NYMC Faculty Publications
DOI
10.5114/aoms.2017.68821
Journal Title
Archives of Medical Science
First Page
1233
Last Page
1244
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2018
Department
Medicine
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to fatty infiltration of liver in the absence of significant alcohol intake, use of steatogenic medication, or hereditary disorders. It is a common cause of chronic liver disease with a worldwide estimated prevalence ranging from 6.3% to 33%. The NAFLD is considered a hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance and increased oxidative stress are central to pathogenesis of NAFLD, and risk factors include metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, and high fat diet. NAFLD is associated with higher mortality as compared to the general population with cardiovascular disease being the most common cause of death. The NAFLD is associated with a higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis as evidenced by odds of higher coronary artery calcification, higher average and maximum carotid intima-media thickness. It is also associated with stiff arteries as evidenced by higher cardio-ankle vascular index and higher brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. Increasing evidence has linked NAFLD with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The NAFLD is associated with a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD), more severe CAD, poor coronary collateral development, and higher incidence of coronary events. The NAFLD is also associated with ischemic stroke. Studies have shown that the association between NAFLD and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases is independent of shared risk factors.
Recommended Citation
Sao, R., & Aronow, W. (2018). Association of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Cardiovascular Disease and Subclinical Atherosclerosis. Archives of Medical Science, 14 (6), 1233-1244. https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms.2017.68821
Publisher's Statement
Originally published in Archives of Medical Science, 14(6), 1233-1244. The original material can be found here.