A recent review published in Current Cardiology Reports highlighted the increased risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). These patients have a greater incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and some recent analyses suggest MASLD is an independent CVD risk factor. Treatment goals for these patients include preventing the development of diabetes, CVD events, liver cirrhosis progression, and improving long-term survival outcomes and quality of life.
Clinical guidelines recommend frequent cardiovascular risk assessments for patients with MASLD/MASH. Lifestyle interventions such as diet, exercise, and weight loss play a crucial role in managing cardiovascular risk factors and improving health outcomes. Pharmacological interventions, such as statin therapy, are also recommended, with treatment intensity tailored to individual CVD risk and liver damage.
However, statin therapy is underutilized in cases of MASLD with dyslipidemia, despite clinical guidelines. The authors also highlighted potential benefits of alternate interventions like bariatric surgery and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Research suggests that exercise can help prevent and resolve fatty liver disease, while weight loss has a positive impact on liver damage markers for MASLD patients.
The review emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to managing cardiovascular risk in patients with MASLD/MASH, integrating lifestyle changes, pharmacological interventions, and exploring potential novel treatments. Further research is needed to explore the efficacy of emerging interventions in improving outcomes for these patients.
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