Association between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Severity Assessed by Fibroscan and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score and the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as determined by Fibroscan.
Methodology: Patients with NAFLD who had Fibroscan to measure liver stiffness and steatosis presenting at the cardiology department of Liaquat National Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan were included in this cross-sectional investigation. Lipid profiles, waist circumference, liver enzyme levels, and 10-year ASCVD risk scores were among the demographic, clinical, and biochemical data gathered.
Results: Of the 217 patients in the study, 62.2% had steatosis, and 99.1% were obese, indicating significant prevalence of liver disease and metabolic disorders. Most were older than 45 (75.1%) and female (62.2%). Low risk for ASCVD was 42.9%, moderate risk was 30.4%, intermediate risk was 11.5%, and high risk was 15.2%. Significant risk variables for ASCVD included advanced liver fibrosis (p<0.05), higher blood cholesterol (p<0.01), older age (p<0.01), and the LDL to HDL ratio (p<0.01). Males dominated higher ASCVD risk categories (p<0.001), and the high-risk group had the highest prevalence of dyslipidemia, especially with metabolic syndrome (p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between ASCVD risk and NAFLD severity as determined by fibroscopy (p=0.035).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the study demonstrates a strong association between advanced NAFLD and increased ASCVD risk. Key risk factors, including age, serum cholesterol, LDL to HDL ratio, and liver fibrosis severity, were significantly linked to higher ASCVD risk (p<0.05). Males and individuals with dyslipidemia, particularly those with metabolic syndrome, were more likely to be at higher risk.
Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular Risk, Liver Fibrosis, Metabolic Syndrome, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).