Silent Liver Threat: Fatty Liver Unnoticed

Fatty liver disease is increasingly affecting people in India, often without noticeable symptoms. Liver enzymes can remain normal even when fat accumulates in the liver, as seen in a case where a man was diagnosed with Grade 2-3 fatty liver and significant fibrosis. This underscores the need for advanced diagnostics beyond standard blood tests.

Experts recommend tests like ultrasound and FibroScan to accurately assess liver health, as they can detect fat accumulation and liver stiffness. FibroScan is particularly important for identifying fibrosis, which indicates liver damage that can progress to cirrhosis if left unmanaged.

The report highlights a worrying trend of overweight, diabetes, and cholesterol issues among younger populations and the working class across various Indian cities. This suggests a broader public health challenge.

Prevention through healthy weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, coupled with the control of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, are crucial. Early detection, especially for high-risk individuals, is vital, moving beyond normal blood tests to include specialized imaging like FibroScan for comprehensive liver health assessment.