Fatty Liver Disease and Its Impact on Health
Overview:
Fatty liver disease (FLD), also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition where fat builds up in the liver. It’s increasingly common, especially in people who are overweight, have diabetes, or consume excessive alcohol.
There are two main types:
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Fat accumulates in the liver unrelated to alcohol use.
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Caused by heavy alcohol consumption.
Health Impacts:
1. Liver Inflammation and Damage
- Fatty deposits can inflame the liver, leading to steatohepatitis:
- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (ASH)
- Chronic inflammation may cause scarring (fibrosis), which can progress to cirrhosis, a serious and irreversible condition.
2. Progression to Liver Failure
- In advanced cases, liver damage may lead to liver failure, requiring a liver transplant.
3. Increased Risk of Liver Cancer
- FLD, especially NASH, increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer.
4. Cardiovascular Disease
- NAFLD is closely associated with metabolic syndrome, which includes:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- These factors significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, making cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death in people with NAFLD.
5. Chronic Fatigue and Weakness
- Liver dysfunction can affect energy metabolism, leading to persistent fatigue, malaise, and reduced quality of life.
6. Kidney Disease
- NAFLD is linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), due to systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation.
Risk Factors:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High triglycerides
- Poor diet (high in sugar and saturated fats)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Heavy alcohol use (in AFLD)
Diagnosis:
- Blood tests (liver enzymes: ALT, AST)
- Imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI)
- FibroScan (measures liver stiffness)
- Liver biopsy (definitive diagnosis in some cases)
Treatment and Management:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Weight loss (aim for 7–10% body weight reduction)
- Exercise (150–300 minutes per week)
- Healthy diet (Mediterranean diet is often recommended)
- Control Underlying Conditions:
- Diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol management
- Limit Alcohol: Especially crucial in AFLD
- Medications: No FDA-approved drugs for NAFLD/NASH yet, but clinical trials are ongoing
Conclusion:
Fatty liver disease is often silent in early stages but can lead to serious complications if untreated. Early detection and lifestyle modification are key to preventing progression and maintaining long-term health.