Does Fatty Liver Disease Correlate with High Cholesterol Levels?

Fatty liver disease is closely associated with elevated cholesterol levels, particularly high triglycerides. When triglyceride levels exceed 1.7 mmol/L, the likelihood of developing fatty liver increases significantly. In addition to lipid imbalances, other contributing factors include overweight, abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, high blood sugar, hyperuricemia, and hypertension. These conditions often coexist and exacerbate liver health.

Managing cholesterol is crucial for patients with both fatty liver disease and high lipid levels. If liver enzymes are within normal range, doctors may prescribe statins to lower cholesterol. However, if liver function is impaired, it is generally advised to avoid statin use, as it may further elevate liver enzymes in some individuals.

For those with abnormal liver function and high cholesterol, lifestyle and dietary modifications are the primary treatment approach. It is essential to reduce consumption of animal fats, organ meats, pastries, processed foods, grilled items, and fried foods. Moreover, trans fats found in products like margarine and artificial butter should also be limited, as they contribute to both liver damage and poor cardiovascular health.

Adopting a balanced diet can help regulate cholesterol levels and improve fatty liver condition. By making consistent and healthy food choices, patients may experience a reduction in lipid levels, which in turn can lead to improvements in liver function and overall health.