People with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels are at greater risk of developing liver disease, latest research has demonstrated.
A new study has found that these three complications can increase the risk of death from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by nearly 40%.
Otherwise known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, MASLD is a common condition where fat builds up in the liver, often linked to being overweight.
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During the trial, the team of scientists examined the health of 134,000 people between 1988 and 2018.
A total of 21,872 of the participants were living with MASLD and at least one cardiometabolic risk factor, for example obesity or high blood pressure.
They discovered that those with high blood pressure alone were 40% more at risk of dying compared to those with lower blood pressure.
Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes and low levels of HDL increased this risk by 20%, the research study has reported.
MASLD is common among people with inactive lifestyles and those with a high intake of ultra-processed, high salt, fatty and sugary foods.
First author Dr Matthew Dukewich said: “Until now, it was commonly thought that diabetes was the most pressing health problem for MASLD patients, which is a key insight.”
Co-author Dr Norah Terrault said: “MASLD is a complicated disease, and this study sheds new light on where doctors may want to focus their efforts when treating patients.
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“Knowing which aspects of MASLD might lead to poorer outcomes can help us offer patients the best possible care.”
The authors said: “Medics should consider prioritising MASLD patients with cardiometabolic risk factors.”
Liver disease is now on the rise among younger people, meaning it is no longer a condition which only affects the elderly and heavy drinkers. Data has shown that cases of liver disease among children have doubled in the last 20 years.
Read the full study in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology.
