Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Across the Menopausal...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hepatology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing global health concern.
• The cardiovascular implications of MASLD, particularly concerning menopausal status, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between MASLD severity and cardiovascular risk.
• To compare cardiovascular risk in premenopausal versus postmenopausal women with MASLD.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide population-based cohort study utilized the Korean National Health Insurance Service database.
• Over 1.9 million women aged 40+ were classified by MASLD severity (none, grade 1, grade 2).
• Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were tracked, including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular death.

Main Results:

• MACE incidence and 5-year absolute risks increased with MASLD severity in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
• Postmenopausal women exhibited higher MACE incidence and absolute risks across all MASLD grades compared to premenopausal women.
• The absolute excess cardiovascular risk attributable to MASLD was significantly greater in postmenopausal women.

Conclusions:

• MASLD is linked to elevated cardiovascular risk in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
• Menopausal status significantly modifies the cardiovascular risk associated with MASLD, with postmenopausal women facing a greater burden.
• Cardiovascular risk assessments for women should integrate MASLD severity and menopausal status for effective prevention strategies.