Fatty liver disease occurs when fat accumulates to more than 5-10% of the liver's weight. If left unchecked, this excess fat can lead to liver inflammation, damaging liver cells and progressing to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and increasing the risk of liver cancer.

Dr. Nguyen Van Son, from the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Pancreatology at Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, states that the condition is not confined to the liver but is a systemic metabolic disorder. If not properly managed, it can affect many other organs.

Heart and blood vessels

Individuals with fatty liver disease face a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. This is because fatty liver disease promotes insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, dyslipidemia, and visceral fat accumulation—common mechanisms that negatively impact the heart and blood vessels.

Pancreas and blood sugar control system

The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps transport sugar from the blood into cells for energy, thereby maintaining stable blood sugar levels. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body responds poorly to insulin, prolonged high blood sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes have a bidirectional relationship. Fat accumulation in the liver increases insulin resistance, making it difficult for the body to control blood sugar. Conversely, persistently high blood sugar further promotes liver fat accumulation, creating a pathological cycle that worsens both conditions.

A doctor performing a liver ultrasound to assess fatty liver disease. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Kidneys

Long-term fat accumulation in the liver increases the risk of inflammation, insulin resistance, hypertension, and metabolic disorders. These factors damage the small blood vessels and the kidney's filtering system, leading to a decline in kidney function over time.

Fat cells, especially visceral fat, release inflammatory mediators and contribute to oxidative stress, directly affecting the blood vessels and structure of the kidneys.

Brain

According to Dr. Son, fatty liver disease is increasingly linked to cognitive decline and certain neurological conditions. Normally, the liver metabolizes and eliminates toxins. When this organ is damaged by fatty liver inflammation, toxins can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, causing swelling and disrupting neurotransmitters. Common symptoms include sleep disturbances, irritability, and memory impairment.

Respiratory system

Fatty liver disease is associated with sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea syndrome. Obesity, fat accumulation in the neck region, and metabolic disorders are all factors contributing to both fatty liver disease and sleep apnea, a condition characterized by loud snoring, restless sleep, and daytime sleepiness.

Dr. Son advises individuals at risk of or living with fatty liver disease to manage their weight, engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, limit sugary drinks and processed foods, and monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipid levels. Regular health check-ups can detect abnormalities early and reduce the risk of progression to serious conditions.

Ly Nguyen