Can Liver Problems Affect The Heart? Know The Link From An Expert
Heart and liver are very closely related, know the risk of heart problems and prevention tips for liver dysfunction.
Both of these are responsible for some vital parts of the body without which no human being can survive. Liver dysfunction can lead to many health problems – one of which is heart problems. It is estimated that one in four adults worldwide has a liver condition that can put them at risk of heart disease. Today, let’s learn about the effects of liver problems that can affect your heart.
How Does Your Liver Affect Heart?
We spoke to Dr. Pankaj Puri, Director, Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Sciences, at Fortis Hospital, to understand the link between liver dysfunction and heart problems.
- Inhibits fat metabolism and causes systemic inflammation
- Oxidative stress
- Causes high blood pressure
- Blood clotting problems
Prevention Tips For Liver Ailments To Reduce Heart Risks
In most cases, the diet has been found to play a major role in aggravating liver problems that lead to heart complications. Eating foods rich in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, not exercising enough, and drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Here are some doctor-advised tips that you must follow to reduce the risk.
1. Limit fried fast food and processed foods.
2. Replace energy from saturated fats such as butter, coconut oil, and cream with healthy unsaturated fats. This should include seeds and plants such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado, sunflower, canola, safflower, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame.
3. Increase the amount and variety of plant foods – eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
4. Limit refined sources of carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, including foods with added sugars.
5. Limit unprocessed red meat (such as beef, veal, mutton, lamb, pork, kangaroo, rabbit, and other game) to a maximum of 350g (cooked weight) per week.
6. Avoid processed meats (such as sausage, ham, salami, and prosciutto) in most situations. This can really have a negative impact on your heart health.
7. Trim all visible fat from meat and remove the skin from poultry.
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8. Eat legumes regularly – such as baked beans (low salt), soybeans, lentils, and tofu.
9. Eat a handful of raw, unsalted nuts, especially walnuts and almonds, for breakfast most days of the week.
10. Eat oily fish at least once a week.
11. Reduce your salt intake – Avoid packaged and processed foods, and limit fast food and salty foods. Replace salt at the table and in cooking, with herbs and spices for flavor.
12. Check the sodium content of foods and choose the lowest sodium products.
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