Treat Fatty Liver Disease to Reduce Heart Risk

Some experts suggest that fatty liver disease will be the next big metabolic disorder associated with obesity and inactivity.

Published: January 26, 2010

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects upwards of 29 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While it causes no symptoms or complications for many, in some the disease can inflame and scar the liver and, at its most severe, progress to liver failure. However its effects also extend to heart health: Its associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes, two conditions that raise the risk of cardiovascular problems.