A study of prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients of coronary artery disease and their clinical correlation

Abstract

Background: Currently, the importance of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its relationship with coronary artery disease (CAD) is being increasingly recognized and this has stimulated an interest in the possible role of NAFLD in the development of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have reported the association of NAFLD with multiple classical and non-classical risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a distinct hepatic condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in liver cells; histologically resembling alcohol induced liver damage. The overall prevalence of NAFLD in western countries varies from 15-40% and in Asian countries from 9-40%. In the present study, we shall determine the occurrence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in patients with Coronary Artery Disease and to establish any clinical correlation between the two. Methods: The study was conducted over a period of 18 months. Patients coming to the NIMS hospital OPD/IPD with clinical history and physical examination- suggestive of CAD and confirmed by ECG, ECHO, Cardiac Biomarkers and wherever possible with Coronary Angiography. Diagnosis of NAFLD was done using ultrasonography. Results: Our study exhibited that patients having NAFLD presented with increased severity of clinical symptoms and the prevalence of NAFLD is more in CAD patients. Conclusions: The results from this study demonstrate the prevalence of NAFLD in patients of CAD and their clinical correlation. This study will help clinicians in devising treatment and designing preventive strategies for the aforementioned diseases.