The Relationship between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases world-wide. Progressive liver injury is often observed, and some patients may develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular diseases, malignancy and hepatic complications. Patients with NAFLD usually have metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus, and have dysregulated secretion of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Recently, NAFLD has also been found to be associated with extrahepatic disorders such as colorectal neoplasm. Owing to the close relationship between NAFLD and metabolic syndrome, it is not surprising that patients with NAFLD have increased risk of coronary artery disease as predicted by the Framingham risk score.  Radiological atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction are also common in patients with NAFLD. In selected populations such as patients with diabetes, NAFLD also increases the odds of developing cardiovascular events.