Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actor Mohsin Khan says he suffered a heart attack in 2023, was diagnosed with fatty liver; understanding the link

Khan said that he was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD, which might be because of his hectic schedule and disrupted sleep pattern. “My immune system had become very weak. I used to fall sick a lot,” he said.

Taking a cue from Mohsin Khan’s revelation, let’s understand if there is an underlying connection between fatty liver and heart attack risk.

Our liver is responsible for vital functions like aiding digestion, metabolism, regulating hormones, storing essential nutrients, and producing proteins and enzymes. Fatty liver (steatosis) occurs when the fat starts to accumulate around the liver cells by slowing the process of breaking down fat. “There are various factors contributing to fatty liver such as diabetes, obesity, high levels of bad cholesterol, malnutrition, drinking too much alcohol, rapid weight loss, and taking certain medications. Over time, this excessive buildup of fat around the liver can trigger inflammation,” said Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology, Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of Rang De Neela initiative.

This inflammation can increase the risk of developing health problems kidney diseases, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even liver cancer, said Dr Kovil. “When the liver does not function properly, it can reduce the blood flow to the heart which can cause cardiac issues,” said Dr Kovil.

According to Dr Kovil, those known to have been detected with fatty liver can suffer from heart disease as the risk factors of both health issues are the same such as a diet high in sugar, saturated fats, and lack of exercise.

Agreeing, Dr Uday Sanglodkar, senior consultant hepatologist, and clinical lead liver and transplant ICU, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai said excess fat accumulated near the liver can often cause inflammation and scarring throughout the body, especially in the arteries. “This can allegedly damage the liver cells resulting in scarring, a type of condition known as cirrhosis. The arteries tend to become narrow disrupting the blood flow to the heart while increasing the risk of heart attack. It can sometimes lead to blood clot formation which can block the arteries leading to health concerns like stroke or heart attack,” said Dr Sanglodkar.

What causes fatty liver? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

A 2022 study also noted that adults with NAFLD are 3.5 times more likely to have heart failure. It noted that NAFLD is most common in older, males, or people with diabetes or coronary heart disease.

Since fatty liver is asymptomatic, some markers include excessive fatigue, abdominal discomfort, nausea, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, jaundice, and recurring digestive problems can be red flags. “Eating too much fried, processed, and unhealthy food that contains heaps of sodium, added sugar, and preservatives is to blame,” said Dr Kovil.

Experts urge that a clean diet and exercising every day can help along with regular preventive health screenings.