Liver Stiffness and Fat Content Linked to Higher Coronary artery disease Risk: Study
Researchers have found in a recent retrospective study a nonlinear positive correlation between liver stiffness, fat content, and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The findings suggest that liver health may serve as an important predictor and key risk indicator for coronary artery disease.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, analyzed clinical data to investigate whether liver stiffness and fat accumulation—both measurable through non-invasive imaging techniques—are associated with cardiovascular risk. Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, and early detection of risk factors is essential for prevention. While traditional predictors include cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, this study highlights the liver’s role as a potential marker of cardiovascular health.
The researchers reported that higher liver stiffness values, which typically reflect fibrosis, were independently associated with an increased risk of CHD. Similarly, liver fat content—often indicative of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—showed a strong correlation with coronary risk. Notably, the study identified a nonlinear relationship, meaning that beyond certain thresholds, incremental increases in stiffness or fat content translated into disproportionately higher CHD risk.
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