Increased whole blood viscosity associated with arterial stiffness in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent risk factor for increased cardiovascular disease. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a marker for early atherosclerotic changes. Recently, the effect of changed blood rheology on atherosclerosis has received attention. A study confirmed that whole blood viscosity (WBV) is a predictor of cardiovascular events. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of WBV with baPWV in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, the relationship between WBV and baPWV was investigated in 2032 participants (1035 men and 997 women) with NAFLD in a general health examination.

RESULTS

Different metabolic parameters were compared across WBV (3/s) quartiles. The mean values of baPWV gradually increased with WBV (3/s) quartiles. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that WBV (3/s) is a significant determinant for increased baPWV both in men and in women (for male, β = 0.229; P < 0.001; for female, β = 0.672; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed that baPWV elevated as WBV (3/s) increased in NAFLD. Moreover, WBV (3/s) is independently associated with baPWV even after adjusting other cardiovascular risk factors. Early detection of abnormal WBV levels at low shear rate should warrant for early search of undetected arterial stiffness in patients with NAFLD.