Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
The relationship between MAFLD and CVD in a health check-up Chinese population: a prospective cohort study
Yao Dou1, Jiawei Cui1, Qi Gu2
1Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China.
Insights
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) significantly increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, particularly in the metabolic dysfunctional overweight/obese subgroup. Stratifying MAFLD patients by metabolic health and weight aids in predicting and preventing CVD.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
- Understanding CVD risk within MAFLD subgroups is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk across different metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) subgroups.
- To evaluate the impact of metabolic status and body mass index on CVD risk in MAFLD patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of participant data from June 2017 to January 2023.
- Classification of MAFLD patients into four subgroups: metabolic healthy lean/normal weight (MHL), metabolic healthy overweight/obese (MHO), metabolic dysfunctional lean/normal weight (MDL), and metabolic dysfunctional overweight/obese (MDO).
- Atherosclerotic CVD risk assessment using a standardized flowchart for Chinese adults, with adjustments for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- The proportions of MHL, MHO, MDL, and MDO were 0.77%, 10.05%, 1.29%, and 16.86%, respectively.
- MAFLD remained an independent risk factor for high adverse cardiovascular events (HACE) after adjustments.
- The MDL subgroup exhibited the highest CVD risk, followed by the MDO subgroup, compared to the MHL subgroup (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between MHO and MHL.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is significantly associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in the metabolic dysfunctional overweight/obese (MDO) group.
- Stratifying MAFLD patients based on body mass index and metabolic dysfunction is essential for accurate cardiovascular risk stratification and prevention strategies.
Background:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as the most significant complication and leading cause of death among metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
Objectives:
This study aims to investigate the CVD risk among MAFLD subgroups.
Design:
Data of participants from June 2017 to January 2023 in the Physical Examination Center of the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University were collected. MAFLD were divided into four subgroups: metabolic healthy lean/normal weight MAFLD (MHL), metabolic healthy overweight/obese MAFLD (MHO), metabolic dysfunctional lean/normal weight MAFLD (MDL), and metabolic dysfunctional overweight/obese MAFLD (MDO).
Methods:
The risk assessment for atherosclerotic CVD was performed based on the flowchart for primary prevention risk assessment in Chinese adults.
Results:
The proportions of MHL, MHO, MDL, and MDO were 0.77% (n = 185), 10.05% (n = 2406), 1.29% (n = 310), and 16.86% (n = 4038), respectively. After adjustment for gender, age, smoking history, drinking history, and significant liver fibrosis, the subgroup of MAFLD was still an independent risk factor for high adverse cardiovascular events (HACE). Compared with the MHL, the MDL had the highest risk, followed by MDO (all p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between MHO and MHL. We performed regression analysis according to age (65 years) and gender (male or female), respectively, and the results were similar to those of the total population.
Conclusion:
MAFLD is associated with a higher risk of CVD, especially in MDO. Classification of MAFLD based on body mass index and metabolic status helps in risk stratification, which will mitigate or prevent the development of CVD.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:26Longitudinal Studies
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction