MASLD-A Gateway for ASCVD: A Call for Early Intervention and Multidisciplinary Care

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has emerged as a significant public health concern, affecting approximately 25% of the global population with its prevalence rising from 22% in 1991 to 37% in 2019.¹ While the hepatic consequences of MASLD, such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, are well documented, its systemic implications are increasingly coming to light. While traditionally viewed as a hepatic disorder, growing evidence highlights MASLD as a multisystem disease with profound implications on cardiovascular health. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has now been recognized as the leading cause of mortality in patients with MASLD, surpassing liver-related complications. MASLD is present in up to 75% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Notably, MASLD is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including arrhythmia, atherosclerotic heart disease, heart failure, and CVD-related mortality.² The association between MASLD and ASCVD is particularly alarming, positioning MASLD as a critical gateway for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.