THIS ‘silent’ disease causes sudden heart failure: 3 signs that should not be ignored

Millions of people across the globe are unknowingly at risk of heart failure because of a ‘silent’ disease. This disease affects more than a quarter of the adult population worldwide, and in India, one in three adults or children has it. The disease in question is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This liver disease is linked with a higher risk of heart failure. What makes it even more life-threatening is the lack of noticeable symptoms. Let’s take a look at what this chronic liver disease is, how to protect yourself from this health emergency, and what the crucial symptoms are that you should never overlook.Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is the most common liver disease, with a prevalence of up to 30 percent in the general population and between 70 percent and 90 percent among persons who are obese or have type 2 diabetes. This condition was formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Factors such as high blood pressure, excess abdominal fat, and unhealthy cholesterol levels increase the risk. Its prevalence, severity, and mortality rise with age. MASLD occurs when the body stores a lot of fat in the liver. Over time, this fat accumulation in the liver triggers inflammation and scarring. A recent study, led by Duke University researchers and published in the European Journal of Heart Failure, found that there was a high incidence of heart failure among patients with MASLD. They confirmed it through biopsy. This study raises concerns about this 'silent' liver disease and the need for early intervention.“This is the first study to assess heart failure incidence in a cohort with MASLD confirmed by liver biopsy — the gold standard for diagnosis. The findings highlight a critical gap in the recognition and diagnosis of heart failure in this high-risk group,” Marat Fudim, MD, MHS, said in a statement.To understand the link between MASLD and heart failure, the researchers examined health data from 570 adult patients with biopsy-proven MASLD. They followed the patients for a median of 11 years. The researchers noticed that heart failure occurred in 100 of 560 patients (17.9%). In 268 patients (47.9%), they found a heart failure risk with symptoms such as elevated biomarkers or echocardiographic abnormalities. In nearly one-third of patients with echocardiograms, they found diastolic dysfunction. The risk of heart failure was higher with age and in women.“Our findings point to the underdiagnosis of HF and lack of recognition of diastolic dysfunction in patients with MASLD. There is a real opportunity to develop better screening strategies so we can identify these patients earlier or even prevent symptomatic heart failure,” Kara Wegermann, MD, Duke gastroenterologist, emphasized.It takes years for MASLD to develop. People can have it without having symptoms. This is why it's called a ‘silent’ disease. Many people are unaware they have it. But some people have symptoms. According to the NHS, these symptoms include: According to the British Liver Trust, you should see a doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms: Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have concerns about your liver or heart health, consult a qualified healthcare professional.