European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE BURDEN IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Boddu Deepika, Diddikadi Poojitha, Gowlla Sai Pragna, Jakkani Vasantha Laxmi and Jorige Archana*

ABSTRACT

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a highly prevalent liver disorder in India, affecting nearly one in three individuals. It is increasingly recognized as an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease(CVD), with individuals diagnosed with non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) having a 64% higher likelihood of experiencing cardiovascular events (CVE). Despite this growing concern, limited data exist on the association between NAFLD and CVD risk in the Indian population. This observational study aimed to evaluate this relationship in patients attending a tertiary care hospital. A total of 118 patients diagnosed with NAFLD were included, and relevant clinical data were obtained from medical records. Among the participants, 78.8% were male and 21.2% female, with a median age of 55.5 years. NAFLD staging showed that 39% had cirrhosis, 33% had steatosis, and 19% were diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Key risk factors identified included impaired glucose regulation (37%), obesity (33%), and hypercholesterolemia (30%)—all strongly linked to elevated CVD risk. Cardiovascular risk was assessed using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), indicated that high CVD risk in HCC(100%) followed by steatosis (96.4%), cirrhosis (80.8%). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to determine independent factors associated with NAFLD progression. The results underscore the critical need for early identification and comprehensive management of NAFLD, with a strong emphasis on cardiovascular risk evaluation. Integrated care approaches, including lifestyle interventions and routine monitoring, are essential to mitigate the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and improve long-term prognosis in this patient population.

Keywords: NAFLD, Cardiovascular disease, Obesity, Hypercholesterolemia and Liver disorder.