Association between hepatic steatosis and serum liver enzyme levels with atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Fatty liver is the accumulation of triglycerides and the other fats in the liver cells. The amount of fatty acid in the liver depends on the balance between the processes of delivery and removal. In some patients, fatty liver may be accompanied by hepatic inflammation and liver cell death (steatohepatitis). AF is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart beats. The exact mechanisms by which cardiovascular risk factors predispose to AF are not understood fully but are under intense investigations. Catecholamine excess, hemodynamic stress, atrial ischemia, atrial inflammation, metabolic stress and neurohumoral cascade activation are all purported to promote AF. In concert with obesity, dyslipidemia and type II diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic HS is now considered as a consequence of modern lifestyle, characterized by sedentariness and high caloric food intake. Besides its association with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and liver diseases (like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or cirrhosis), HS is also associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.