It’s no secret that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is fundamental to our well-being. However, most people aren’t fully aware of how interconnected the various systems in our bodies are. Two crucial organs linked more closely than you might think are the heart and the liver. Here are four reasons why a man’s liver could directly impact his heart health.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease, often caused by obesity and excessive alcohol consumption, is the accumulation of excess fat in liver cells. This condition might seem innocent initially, but it could escalate into serious health risks. Fatty liver disease contributes to inflammation and fibrosis, or scarring, of liver tissue, and can eventually lead to liver failure.
Furthermore, fatty liver disease is closely related to metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels – all dangerous contributors to heart disease.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C, a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, often leads to severe liver damage when left untreated says Dr Dennis Doan. Research has shown there’s a connection between Hepatitis C and increased risk of heart disease. This virus can spark direct changes in the heart muscle and blood vessels, which in turn can hinder heart function.
Cirrhosis And Heart Health
Cirrhosis, the final stage of liver disease, heavily impacts overall heart health. As the liver hardens and ceases to function properly because of chronic liver disease or long-term alcohol abuse, this can lead to various cardiac problems. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is one heart condition associated with cirrhosis, characterized by altered heart rate, impaired cardiac function, and reduced ability to act under stress.
Obesity And High Cholesterol
Excess weight often causes more fat to be stored in the liver, leading to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Moreover, high cholesterol levels aren’t only a burden to our heart but to our liver too. The liver is responsible for clearing excess cholesterol. When the liver is overburdened because of a higher influx of cholesterol, it may malfunction, leading to liver disease.
Both obesity and high cholesterol are threat multipliers for heart disease, so their extensive impact on liver health just reiterates their role in wreaking cardiac havoc.
Taking Care Of Your Liver
If you want to live a long, happy life, it’s important to take care of your liver, according to Dr Dennis Doan.Your liver is an organ that performs many tasks in your body. It helps with digestion, stores vitamins and minerals, removes harmful substances from the blood, and produces bile for breaking down fats.
So what can you do about it? Exercise regularly so that your body gets more oxygenated blood flowing through it; increase your intake of antioxidants such as vitamin C and E; eat foods rich in vitamin B such as whole grains or avocado; drink plenty of water every day; limit your alcohol intake; watch out for medications that might harm your liver.
Conclusion
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional Dr Dennis Doan regularly for preventive screenings and personalized advice for your best health. By understanding your body’s interconnectedness and taking steps to treat it holistically, you put yourself in the best position for a long, healthy life.
