Assessment of left ventricular diastolic function in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

ABSTRACT

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] is a spectrum of fat-associated liver conditions that can result in end stage liver disease. NAFLD patients when compared to control subjects have a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis which is independent of obesity and other established risk factors. Recent studies have identified NAFLD as a risk factor for early subclinical abnormalities in myocardial metabolism as well as in cardiac structure and function. In particular, it has been shown that NAFLD is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and impaired diastolic function