Is hyperlipidemia fatty liver disease?

Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

Updated on September 13, 2024

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Hyperlipidemia and fatty liver are actually two different concepts. Hyperlipidemia is essentially dyslipidemia, which refers to abnormal quality and quantity of lipids in the plasma. The tests for blood lipids include total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. With our medical history, physical signs, and laboratory tests, diagnosing hyperlipidemia is not difficult. The current diagnostic criteria are mainly based on the 2017 Chinese guidelines for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia in adults, where low-density lipoprotein greater than 4.14 mmol/L suggests elevated low-density lipoprotein. Fatty liver, on the other hand, refers to excessive fat accumulation within liver cells due to various reasons, and is a common pathological change in the liver, rather than an independent disease. Patients with hyperlipidemia are prone to fatty liver.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 29sec

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Can fatty liver be cured?

Fatty liver is relatively common in clinical practice, often seen in obese patients or those who consume alcohol excessively. Fatty liver is also categorized as mild, moderate, or severe in clinical settings. Generally, mild fatty liver does not accompany liver function abnormalities. For such patients, the main approach involves appropriate weight loss, exercise, and dietary control. If there are indeed complications like cirrhosis or more severe liver disease, including abnormal liver functions, systematic diagnosis and treatment are recommended. Besides completing abdominal ultrasound and liver function tests, it is also suggested to conduct quantitative hepatitis B virus tests to eliminate the possibility of hepatitis B virus-induced steatosis. Generally, fatty liver can be treated successfully; however, if it is complicated by cirrhosis, the main principle of treatment is to prevent complications, and complete cure may not be possible. Therefore, regarding fatty liver, there is no need for excessive worry, but standard treatment should be followed. Particularly if the fatty liver is complicated by cirrhosis, active diagnosis and treatment are generally recommended.

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Written by Luo Juan

Endocrinology

1min 26sec

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How to deal with fatty liver with elevated transaminases?

First, it is necessary to determine whether the fatty liver is alcoholic or non-alcoholic. If it is non-alcoholic fatty liver with elevated transaminases, lifestyle interventions should be implemented first. Weight loss and exercise can treat fat-associated fatty liver. Generally, it is necessary to control the intake of calories and fats, especially saturated fatty acids, maintain an ideal weight, and exercise sufficiently and consistently. Similarly, if there is a significant increase in blood lipids, lipid-lowering drugs can also be used. Additionally, some liver-protective drugs can be incorporated into treatment. If it is alcoholic fatty liver, abstaining from alcohol is a key treatment, as well as appropriate nutritional support. For long-term alcoholics, since alcohol replaces the calories provided by food, there is generally an insufficient intake of protein and vitamins. Therefore, a diet high in protein and low in fat should be provided, along with appropriate vitamin supplementation, and liver-protective drugs can also be used. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min

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What is good to eat for fatty liver?

Patients with fatty liver should focus on a diet rich in high-quality proteins and vitamins. Foods that are rich in high-quality protein mainly include lean meats, fish, shrimp, beans, and eggs. Additionally, fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, so these foods should be consumed in larger quantities. Furthermore, patients with fatty liver should also pay attention to the mix of coarse and refined staples in their diet, avoiding excessive consumption of refined foods. It is advisable to incorporate some whole grains into the diet, such as oats, corn, and brown rice. Additionally, fatty meats, animal organs, and other fatty foods should be avoided. Meals should be well-balanced and nutritionally diverse, and it is important to abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as to avoid excessively oily and fatty foods.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

49sec

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What is fatty liver?

Fatty liver is a pathological condition caused by excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells due to various reasons, which impairs the liver's normal functions. This is a relatively common liver pathology. Patients may experience symptoms like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort in the upper right abdomen, primarily treated in the departments of gastroenterology and hepatology. The population at higher risk includes patients with diabetes, alcohol abuse, obesity, and those who have undergone excessive weight loss. Fatty liver can also occur during pregnancy. Patients may experience impaired liver function, and in severe cases, they may develop fatty liver hepatitis or fatty liver cirrhosis.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

36sec

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What to eat for fatty liver?

Fatty liver refers to the decreased ability of the liver to metabolize fats or an increase in blood lipids. In such cases, it is first important to pay attention to a light diet, eat more vegetables, and drink more water, which is conducive to the metabolism of triglycerides. Additionally, it is best to avoid greasy and spicy foods, as excessively fatty foods can also enter the bloodstream after digestion and absorption, further burdening the liver. It is also important to engage in more outdoor exercise to enhance physical fitness and reduce the accumulation of fats.