Assessment of the Relationship Between Liver Enzymes and Cardiovascular Disease: A Study in Bangladeshi Adults

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hepatology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant health burden globally.
• Elevated liver enzymes are increasingly recognized as potential indicators of systemic health issues.
• Limited research exists on the specific association between liver enzymes and myocardial infarction (MI) in South Asian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between elevated serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT) and the prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) in a Bangladeshi population.
• To determine if liver enzymes can serve as predictive markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 348 participants, divided into a CVD group (189 with MI) and a control group (159).
• Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured.
• Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between liver enzymes and CVD prevalence.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher prevalence of elevated AST, ALT, and GGT was observed in the CVD group compared to the control group (71.8% vs. 44.7%).
• Mean levels of all three liver enzymes were significantly higher in individuals with CVD.
• Serum AST, ALT, and GGT demonstrated a positive and independent association with CVD prevalence, with GGT showing the strongest link.

Conclusions:

• Liver enzyme abnormalities are highly prevalent in individuals with CVD.
• Serum levels of AST, ALT, and GGT are independently associated with CVD prevalence.
• Measuring liver enzyme levels may offer a valuable tool for early CVD risk prediction.