New AHA Statement on NAFLD and Cardiovascular Risk: A Guideline Topline

The progressive increase in incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is largely and proportionally driven by steadily rising rates of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA). Global prevalence may exceed 35% in the next decade, AHA predicts.

NAFLD has the potential to progress nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma and it is now a well-known risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovasuclar disease (ASCVD), the leading cause of death in patients with hepatic steatosis.

NAFLD is often hidden or misdiagnosed in routine clinical care, the AHA states, hindering effective estimates of prevlance and clinical management. In the association's first scientific statement on NAFLD authors review risk factors and pathophysiology, cover in detail associations with ASCVD, explain current diagnostic and screening strategies and discuss potential interventions.

Here in 10 slides, we provide a topline look at the new statement based on the authors' 10 key take-home messages for health care professionals.