A silent health crisis is affecting approximately 11 million people across Britain, with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) striking one in every five individuals.
The condition, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, develops when the body struggles to process fats and sugars effectively, leading to dangerous accumulations in the liver.
Fresh findings from Duke University researchers have uncovered alarming connections between this widespread liver condition and cardiac health risks.
The British Liver Trust confirms the staggering prevalence of MASLD, yet the disease typically progresses without noticeable symptoms, leaving sufferers unaware of the mounting danger to their health.
MASLD's impact extends far beyond liver damage
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Scientists monitoring 570 individuals diagnosed with MASLD over an 11-year period discovered that nearly 50 per cent displayed initial indicators of cardiac dysfunction, despite having no previous heart-related diagnoses.
The research revealed a stark disconnect between patients' perceived wellness and their actual cardiovascular health, with approximately 20 per cent progressing to complete heart failure throughout the study duration.
Most concerning was the finding that merely five per cent of those who developed heart failure had received prior notification of their condition.
These results highlight how MASLD's impact extends far beyond liver damage, posing significant cardiovascular threats while patients remain symptom-free.
The disease mechanism involves fat accumulation, triggering inflammation and scarring within liver tissue, progressively impairing the organ's function over extended periods.
This deterioration can persist undetected for years or potentially decades, as patients experience no discomfort during early stages despite ongoing liver damage.
Heart failure emerges when the cardiac muscle becomes excessively weak or rigid, preventing adequate blood circulation throughout the body.
As liver scarring advances, the organ's capacity to eliminate toxins diminishes, subsequently weakening cardiac function and elevating heart failure risk.
The June publication in the European Journal of Heart Failure detailed how this silent progression creates a dangerous pathway from liver disease to cardiac complications.
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Fatty liver disease triggers inflammation and scarring within liver tissue
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Dr Marat Fudim, contributing to the research, stated: "There is a critical gap in recognising heart failure in this high-risk group."
Lead researcher Dr Kara Wegermann emphasised: "There is a real opportunity to screen people earlier and even prevent symptomatic heart failure."
Although no pharmaceutical treatments currently exist for the condition, lifestyle modifications can reverse its progression.
These interventions encompass smoking cessation, achieving optimal body weight, adopting plant-rich nutritional habits, maintaining regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep quality.
Medical professionals stress the importance of consulting healthcare providers for those concerned about potential MASLD symptoms or risk factors.