Enhancing Heart Failure Detection in the General Population Using the Steatosis-Associated Fibrosis Estimator

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Hepatology and Liver Disease
• Public Health and Epidemiology

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis are linked to cardiovascular complications.
• Existing research suggests a connection between liver health and heart conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the steatosis-associated fibrosis estimator (SAFE) and prevalent heart failure (HF).
• To evaluate SAFE's potential to improve HF detection in the general population.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 33,566 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2018).
• Heart failure (HF) identification based on self-reported medical history.
• Statistical analysis including multivariable adjustment and smooth-curve modeling.

Main Results:

• A nearly linear association was observed between SAFE and HF risk.
• Each one-standard-deviation increase in SAFE correlated with a 58.0% rise in HF risk.
• SAFE incorporation slightly improved HF discrimination when added to standard cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions:

• A robust, nearly linear relationship exists between SAFE and prevalent HF.
• SAFE shows promise as a valuable indicator for enhancing HF detection in the general population.
• Further research may validate SAFE's role in cardiovascular risk assessment.