[Relationship between fatty liver and coronary risk factors]

Sangyo Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2000 Jan;42(1):24-8. doi: 10.1539/sangyoeisei.kj00002552187.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Fatty liver is a common finding in abdominal ultrasonographic examination in health check-ups, but the relationship between fatty liver and so-called coronary risk factors has rarely been investigated from the viewpoint of prevention of coronary heart disease. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate such a relationship by comparing the coronary risk factors with and without fatty liver by using data from health check-ups for the mid-management and management staff of a manufacturing company. The majority (77.1%) of those with fatty liver in the present study were categorized as "normal" or "marginally obese" and only a small portion (22.9%) were categorized as "obese" according to the classification of the body mass index. The group of subjects with fatty liver had significantly lower mean HDL-cholesterol and higher levels of fasting blood sugar, HDL/total cholesterol ratio, triglyceride, uric acid and transaminases, than those parameters in subjects without fatty liver, even after adjustment for age and body-mass index. The blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) and total cholesterol level did not show any significant difference after controlling the covariates. Our results indicated that fatty liver has a close correlation with the majority of coronary risk factors causing atheroscleotic diseases, and most of these relationships are independent of total body mass. Our results regarding fatty liver are a help to occupational health personnel when advising workers to reduce their own risk of atherogeic diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Arteriosclerosis / etiology
  • Body Mass Index
  • Coronary Disease / etiology*
  • Coronary Disease / prevention & control
  • Fatty Liver / complications*
  • Fatty Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health*
  • Risk Factors
  • Ultrasonography