A groundbreaking study reveals high blood pressure is the most lethal risk factor for patients with fatty liver disease, surpassing even diabetes. The disease now affects over a third of the global population.
October 4, 2025
Source:
Cleveland Clinic
Global Impact of a Silent Epidemic
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become a global health crisis, now affecting an estimated 38% of the world's population. This represents a staggering 50% increase over the last two decades, according to recent meta-analyses published in journals like JAMA.
The disease's prevalence is surging worldwide, making it a silent epidemic.
Startling Prevalence Rates
In the United States, 32.5% of adults are currently living with MASLD. Projections indicate this number will climb to 41.4%, or 122 million people, by 2050. This rapid increase parallels rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, establishing MASLD as the second leading cause for liver transplantation in the U.S. and Europe.
A Growing Threat to All Ages
The impact is not limited to adults. MASLD now affects between 7% and 14% of children and adolescents, signaling a long-term public health challenge. Health experts warn that MASLD-related deaths are on track to triple by 2050, driven not only by liver failure but also by associated cardiovascular disease and cancer.
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Source:
Nature
Key Dangers Redefined by New Research
A major new study has shifted our understanding of the primary threats MASLD patients face. The findings highlight that cardiometabolic risk factors are the main drivers of mortality, with one standing out as the most dangerous.
Hypertension Emerges as Top Killer
Researchers have identified high blood pressure (hypertension) as the most lethal risk factor for individuals with MASLD. In a surprising turn, the study revealed that hypertension carries a higher mortality risk than even type 2 diabetes, a long-recognized contributor to the disease's progression.
This discovery underscores the critical importance of aggressive blood pressure management in anyone diagnosed with MASLD.
The Compounding Risks
While hypertension is the leading threat, other factors create a multiplying danger. The risk of severe outcomes rises dramatically with each additional condition. Key factors include:
Type 2 Diabetes: Strongly linked to adverse cardiovascular and liver-related deaths.
Low HDL Cholesterol: A marker for metabolic syndrome that increases cardiovascular mortality.
Obesity: A higher body mass index (BMI) directly correlates with faster disease progression and higher overall mortality.
The presence of multiple risk factors substantially increases the likelihood of liver failure, heart attacks, and premature death, as detailed in studies available on PubMed.
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Source:
Nature
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