Hormonal
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with a 19% increased risk of incident atrial fibrillation (AF), with risk escalating as liver disease severity (fibrosis/MASH) increases.
If you have MASLD, you have a significantly higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation, even in early stages. Managing metabolic risk factors (weight, blood sugar, blood pressure) is not just about liver health but is a critical strategy for preventing heart rhythm disorders. Early detection and comprehensive management of MASLD are crucial to mitigate this dual burden.
Research highlights a significant link, showing that people with MASLD face a 19% higher likelihood of developing AF compared to those without the condition, with this risk increasing in individuals with more advanced liver disease
Why this rating
Based on multiple retrospective cohorts and meta-analyses cited (e.g., Simon et al., Mantovani et al.), though causality is complex due to shared risk factors.
Source
Metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease and atrial fibrillation: A review of pathogenesis
Inderjeet S. Bharaj et al. · World Journal of Cardiology · 2025
DOI 10.4330/wjc.v17.i6.106147
More from this paper
- Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) exacerbate the risk of AF in MASLD through hemodynamic changes, epicardial fat deposition, and sympathetic nervous system activation.Good
- Chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress in MASLD drive atrial structural and electrical remodeling, creating an arrhythmogenic substrate for AF.Moderate
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