Fatty liver is common these days, yet it is rarely noticed.
Even the resulting high blood pressure is often not recognized - with fatal consequences.
In addition to alcohol-related fatty liver disease (AFLD, Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), there is the far more widespread non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease (NAFLD, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), which is the most common liver disease in Germany.
In fact, every third adult and every third overweight child is affected.
In contrast to alcoholic fatty liver, non-alcoholic fatty liver is primarily caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, and lack of exercise and sleep.
NAFLD particularly affects people with diabetes and those who are very overweight.
Those who live with fatty liver, often unnoticed, have a higher risk of developing severe liver inflammation and liver cancer, as well as having a stroke or heart attack.
who has high blood pressure
the risk of stroke and heart attack increases many times over.
At the same time, high blood pressure in connection with liver disease can be life-threatening.
Blood pressure too high: In liver disease, this can lead to death
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A fatty liver results in high blood pressure over the long term, which, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.
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© Hospitalman/Imago
People with a liver disease such as fatty liver often show high blood pressure.
This can occur due to the accumulation of fat in the liver and therefore in the blood vessels, and in the long term it can also affect other organs such as the heart and kidneys.
A fatty liver is usually accompanied by a special form of high blood pressure, as the
German Liver Foundation
explains.
In liver diseases, the high blood pressure affects the so-called portal vein and causes portal hypertension or portal hypertension.
If left untreated, this high blood pressure can even lead to death.
Preventing a stroke: Which foods protect
Nuts slow down arteriosclerosis.
They contain fiber, magnesium, polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E and antioxidants - all components that prevent cardiovascular disease.
Almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts in particular contain plenty of vitamin E, which prevents the absorption of harmful LDL fat particles in the blood and thus protects against arteriosclerosis.
(Iconic image) © Achim Sass/Imago
Spinach is rich in folic acid, which protects against hardening of the arteries.
It's high in vitamin D and E, which helps prevent the bad LDL cholesterol from being absorbed, resulting in less buildup and arteries from narrowing.
(Iconic image) © Vitalina-Rybakova/Imago
According to the "German Heart Foundation", olive oil has been shown to lower the harmful LDL cholesterol in the blood, so that the risk of deposits in the vessels, arteriosclerosis, is also reduced.
It has been proven that the risk of developing coronary artery disease is reduced.
(Iconic image) © Panthermedia/Imago
Onions and garlic not only give our dishes the necessary kick, they also act as natural vessel cleaners, since the oils they contain prevent arteriosclerosis.
Garlic in particular can keep the heart healthy: the tuber stimulates nitrogen production in the body, thereby improving the flexibility and elasticity of our arteries.
(Iconic image) © YAY Images/Imago
Omega-3 fatty acids in farmed and wild salmon prevent blood clots and prevent hardening of the arteries. The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in farmed and wild salmon prevent blood clots and counteract plaque formation on the walls of the arteries .
(Iconic image) © foodandmore/Imago
Avocados contain mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which keep cells elastic and prevent arteries from clogging.
According to the Medical Tribune, eating avocado reduces harmful lipoproteins.
Avocados contain mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which keep cells elastic and prevent arteries from clogging.
So add guacamole to your menu more often, the Mexican avocado dip that is also popular in this country.
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Red Delicious or Granny Smith apples in particular contain so-called procyanidins, which prevent blood clots and hardening of the arteries. Red Delicious or Granny Smith apples in particular contain so-called procyanidins.
These are substances that have the ability to prevent blood clots.
In addition, they can also keep the arteries elastic and strengthen them.
(Iconic image) © Westend61/Imago
Red grapefruits in particular can reduce elevated blood lipid levels, a major risk of developing arteriosclerosis. Not only are grapefruits rich in vitamin C, they also help you lose weight.
In addition, Israeli researchers have discovered that red grapefruit in particular can have a positive effect on high blood lipid levels.
According to the “Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung”, elevated blood lipid levels represent a major risk for the development of arteriosclerosis.
(Iconic image) © Lubo Ivanko/Imago
Anthocyanins in blueberries are said to keep the vessels elastic and thus protect them from hardening of the arteries.
Blueberries are always a good choice as a dessert or snack - above all because their secondary plant substances, the so-called flavonoids, render free radicals in the body harmless.
Anthocyanins, the active ingredients in blueberries, are said to counteract inflammation in the body, keep the vessels elastic and thus protect against hardening of the arteries.
(Iconic image) © Larissa Veronesi/Imago
Green tea contains procyanidins, which increase the elasticity of the arteries. Like apples, green tea contains procyanidins, which increase the elasticity of the arteries and help transport oxygen and nutrients to tissues, muscles and organs.
(Iconic image) © Panthermedia/Imago
The background is: If the fatty liver can no longer fulfill its metabolic tasks, i.e. can no longer sufficiently break down toxins, the blood flow via the portal vein is only restricted or not possible at all, according to Prof. Dr.
Michael P. Manns, Chairman of the Board of the
German Liver Foundation.
In addition to the hepatic artery, the portal vein is the second route of blood supply to the liver.
Since the blood has to reach the heart by a different route, the blood pressure in the other vessels leading to the heart increases accordingly.
Due to high blood pressure and increased blood flow, it is possible that varicose veins form in the abdomen or in the esophagus.
If left untreated, these could lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.
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Prevent liver disease, avoid high blood pressure of the portal vein and dangers
In fact, portal hypertension cannot be determined in the conventional way by measuring blood pressure.
On the one hand, an ultrasound examination of the portal vein can provide indications of portal vein hypertension.
An enlarged spleen, abdominal fluid (ascites) or varicose veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices) also indicate high blood pressure in the portal vein.
Exact diagnosis and examination can only be carried out by invasive hepatic vein pressure measurement via a catheter.
In order to prevent this dangerous form of high blood pressure in the liver, it is important to identify fatty liver as early as possible based on the liver values and non-specific symptoms such as tiredness and pressure in the upper abdomen.
Since this is not always clear in many cases, it is best to prevent the development of a fatty liver.
This is very well possible through a diet or a healthy diet with few carbohydrates, sugar and fat from the outset.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.
Rubric list image: © Hospitalman/Imago