Fatty Liver Disease Linked to Elevated Mortality Risk, Study Warns
A prevalent health condition could significantly increase the risk of death from heart disease and cancer, with experts cautioning that mortality rates may rise by approximately 50%. This potentially lethal, yet often asymptomatic, ailment is estimated to affect around one in five individuals in the UK and could considerably decrease life expectancy.
Increased Mortality Rate Associated with Fatty Liver Disease
Recent research reveals that individuals with fatty liver disease face nearly double the mortality rate of the general population. The study indicates an elevated risk of death not only from liver-related illnesses but also from common diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Medically termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), fatty liver disease develops due to excessive fat accumulation in the liver. While initially benign, this condition can progress over time, leading to severe liver damage and scarring.
In some cases, MASLD can advance to liver failure or liver cancer. The condition is particularly concerning as it frequently exhibits no noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
Study Highlights Increased Risks Across Multiple Diseases
The study, published in The Journal of Hepatology, analyzed data from 13,000 patients in Sweden diagnosed with MASLD between 2002 and 2020. Researchers compared their mortality risk from various causes to that of the broader population.
Findings revealed that the overall mortality rate among individuals with MASLD was nearly twice as high. This heightened risk was observed across almost all causes of death examined, with particularly pronounced increases in mortality from liver disease (27 times higher) and liver cancer (35 times higher).
However, cardiovascular disease and non-liver cancers emerged as the most frequent causes of death, with mortality rates 54% and 47% greater, respectively.
Dr. Axel Wester, the study’s lead author and a physician at Karolinska University Hospital, stated, “Many individuals are unaware of their fatty liver disease because it seldom manifests symptoms in the initial phases. Our research demonstrates that individuals diagnosed with MASLD have a greater risk of mortality from a multitude of diseases, not solely liver disease.”
Furthermore, the research indicated an increased risk of death from infections, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory illnesses, endocrine diseases, and external factors. Dr. Hannes Hagström, a co-author of the study, emphasized, “It is crucial that we adopt a holistic approach and early intervention involving various medical specialties when treating patients with fatty liver disease, rather than focusing solely on the liver.”
Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Disease
The NHS identifies several factors that increase the likelihood of developing fatty liver disease:
- Obesity or overweight, especially with excess abdominal fat (“apple-like” body shape)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Conditions affecting insulin utilization (insulin resistance), such as polycystic ovary syndrome
- Underactive thyroid
- High blood pressure
- Elevated cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome (a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity)
- Age over 50
- Smoking
The NHS notes that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can also occur in individuals without these risk factors, including young children.
Symptoms of Cirrhosis
Symptoms of MASLD typically do not appear until the disease progresses to cirrhosis (liver scarring). Cirrhosis symptoms may include:
- Persistent fatigue or malaise
- Appetite loss or unexplained weight reduction
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Visible blood vessels on the skin
- Red, blotchy palms (may be less visible on darker skin tones)
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Pruritus (itchy skin)
- Changes in fingers, such as widening and curving (clubbing) or white nails
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes – may be less visible on darker skin tones)
- Swelling in the abdomen, legs, ankles, or feet
- Tremors in hands
- Slurred speech
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Vomiting blood
- Dark or black stools
Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms should consult their General Practitioner.
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