Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is marked by the infiltration of fat in liver cells. High liver fat levels are associated with increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome.

A study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care sought to ascertain the association between NAFLD and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) among nondiabetic subjects.

Overall, 90 inpatients and outpatients - 45 patients with NAFL and 45 patients with normal liver (controls) -were included in the study. All the participants underwent a Doppler study for carotid intima thickness and a blood sample was collected.

NAFLD subjects had higher BMI, weight and dyslipidemia compared to controls. Cardiovascular risk factors, such as increased carotid intima-media thickness, were found to occur more often among NAFLD patients compared to healthy controls.

The study concluded that NAFL was significantly associated with higher cardiovascular risk, particularly carotid intima-media thickness, dyslipidemia, and hypoalphalipidemia.

Investigators advised lifestyle changes, including weight loss, dietary changes, reduction of sedentary habits and physical exercise in NAFL patients with higher BMI and weight.

Source: Rampally V, Biri SK, Nair IK, Vadlakonda A. Determination of association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and carotid artery atherosclerosis among nondiabetic individuals. J Family Med Prim Care. 2020 Feb 28;9(2):1182-1186.