Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on August 23, 2024
TV actor Moshin Khan says fatty liver caused a heart attack: Why poor sleep, diet and lifestyle are silent risks
Experts explain how the functioning of the liver and the heart are intricately linked.
TV actor Mohsin Khan, 31, confessed in an interview that he had a mild heart attack last year, triggered by a fatty liver. (File photo)
When TV actor Mohsin Khan, 31, confessed in an interview that he had a mild heart attack last year, triggered by a fatty liver, punishing seven-day work schedules and sleepless nights, it shifted the spotlight to what is rarely talked about — non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a major cardiac risk. The incidence is going up among young Indians and is triggered purely by lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity and inadequate sleep.
What are lifestyle triggers for NAFLD?
Several lifestyle habits cause NAFLD. A diet high in processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, leads to weight gain and insulin resistance, both risk factors of fatty liver. “Of these, sleep deprivation, which is common in today’s fast-paced world, is the most critical factor. A chronic lack of sleep disrupts the body’s metabolism, leading to increased fat storage and insulin resistance. The body’s circadian rhythm, which regulates various processes, is heavily dependent on adequate sleep. Disruption of this rhythm can lead to hormonal imbalances that exacerbate fat accumulation in the liver. Furthermore, inadequate sleep has been associated with increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, further contributing to weight gain and fat deposition in the liver,” says Dr Sudeep Khanna, senior gastroenterologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi.
Besides, a Japanese animal study in 2022 had shown that with every one-hour reduction in sleep time from the recommended seven to eight hours, the risk of fat deposition in the liver increased by 24 per cent compared to those who slept adequately.
How does NAFLD impact heart health?
Fat accumulation in the liver is associated with systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, which can affect the cardiovascular system. “The liver and heart are intrinsically linked. When the liver is fatty, it can trigger inflammation that thickens the vessels of the heart, affecting blood flow. Patients with NAFLD often have an increased risk of atherosclerosis, where arteries become clogged with plaque, leading to heart attacks. Additionally, the liver’s compromised ability to regulate fats and sugars can lead to higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, further burdening the heart,” says Dr Nishith Chandra, Principal Director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi.
Inadequate sleep, by exacerbating NAFLD, further elevates cardiovascular risks. “Studies have shown that individuals with poor sleep patterns are more likely to develop hypertension, arrhythmias and other heart-related conditions, partly due to the metabolic and inflammatory disturbances linked to both sleep deprivation and fatty liver disease,” says Dr Khanna.
What are diet dos and don’ts?
Diets high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats and processed foods are the main culprits in the development of NAFLD. Sugary beverages, fried foods and snacks rich in trans fats should be avoided. “These foods lead to an increase in visceral fat and liver fat deposition, which can trigger or worsen NAFLD. Instead, a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, like those from fish and nuts, along with plenty of vegetables, can help manage and prevent the condition altogether,” says Dr Chandra.
What’s India’s NAFLD status?
Around 35 per cent of adults have some form of fatty liver disease, making it a major risk for cardiac disease. “All diagnosed patients should be screened for cardiac disease and interventions made to prevent clinical events,” says Dr Piyush Ranjan, Vice Chairman, department of gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram hospital, New Delhi.
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