"Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Exploring the Possible Correlation"

Abstract

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease. It is frequently associated with components of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerotic disease.Objective: Evaluate the relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and NAFLD in the context of prevalence and severity.Method: A pilot cross-sectional study was developed, from January to October 2022, with the inclusion criteria age > 18 years, history of documented significant CAD, coronary artery bypass surgery, or percutaneous coronary intervention. Exclusion criteria were significant alcohol consumption and secondary causes of hepatic steatosis. Thirty-one patients were allocated. CAD was classified as moderate, severe, and very severe. NAFLD was assessed by abdominal ultrasonography and graded as mild, moderate, or severe. Results:The prevalence of NAFLD was 70.96%, 81.82% with a mild grade, and 18.18% with a moderate grade. Among patients with NAFLD, 22.72% had moderate CAD, 31.81% had severe CAD, and 45.45% had very severe CAD. In those with moderate CAD, 100% had mild-grade NAFLD. In those with severe CAD, 85.71% had mild and 14.28% had moderate NAFLD, and in those with very severe CAD, 70% had mild and 30% had moderate NAFLD. The correlation between the degree of CAD and the presence of NAFLD (p = 0.9818) and the correlation between the severity of both diseases (p = 0.3679) were not significant. Conclusion:NAFLD is frequently associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, and there is an apparently significant influence of the presence of CAD on the prevalence of NAFLD.