The severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease correlates with high sensitivity C-reactive protein value and is independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk in healthy population

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Design and methodsWe analyzed 724 subjects without CVD according to presence or absence of NAFLD. Logistic regression model was used to determine if NAFLD was an independent risk factor of CVD.ResultsSubjects with NAFLD had increased percentage of 10-year cardiovascular risk ≧ 10% compared to those without NAFLD (p < 0.001). The severity of NAFLD significantly correlated with increasing Framingham risk score and C-relative protein (CRP) value. After adjusting for conventional CVD risk factors, the presence of NAFLD was an independent predictor for future CVD risk ≧ 10% [odds ratio: 1.89, p = 0.004]. Subgroup analysis showed the predictive value of NAFLD was significant among aged subjects and those with increased baseline hsCRP level.ConclusionsNAFLD is independently associated with increased CVD risk, especially among elderly subjects and those with increased CRP level.