The interactions of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

A complex interaction among metabolic factors, adipose tissue lipolysis, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance results in a deleterious process that may link nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with severe cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. Patients with NAFLD are at higher risk of atherosclerosis, new onset of CV events, and overall mortality. The strong association between NAFLD and CV disease should affect clinical practice, with screening and surveillance of patients with NAFLD. This review discusses the data linking these major diseases.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular disease; Insulin resistance; Liver fibrosis; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.