2021 Webinar: Cardiovascular Disease in NASH Patients-Cardiovascular Disease in NASH Patients

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar focused on the liver-heart connection and the impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on cardiovascular outcomes. The panelists discussed the physiological changes in the cardiovascular system in patients with NAFLD and the potential endpoints for clinical trials. They highlighted the complex relationship between fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that there is an interplay between these conditions that can worsen both fatty liver disease and cardiovascular outcomes. Inflammation, atherogenic dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and altered electrical conduction are some of the mechanisms that contribute to cardiovascular disease in patients with NAFLD. It was noted that improving NASH can lead to changes in LDL cholesterol profile, with more large, buoyant LDLs that are less atherogenic. The panelists discussed the need for cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with NAFLD and emphasized that underlying liver disease should not preclude the use of statins. They also highlighted the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle. The panelists discussed the challenges of incorporating cardiovascular endpoints in clinical trials and the potential implications for drug development and regulatory practices.

Keywords

liver-heart connection

non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

NAFLD

cardiovascular outcomes

physiological changes

metabolic syndrome

diabetes

atherogenic dyslipidemia

endothelial dysfunction