Abstract

Commentary exception of subjects with CH-C. Also, cardiovascular mortality was not different Metabolic syndrome: relevant for in relation to altered liver enzymes in the NAHNES cohort, suggesting that the same all types of chronic liver factors have the largest impact on mortality in subjects with and without diseases? liver disease. A protective effect of liver disease on cardiovascular involvement was previ- Giulio Marchesini, Giampaolo Bianchi 7 ously reported in cirrhosis, and was related to decreased arterial pressure, to reduced platelet count and clotting Hepatologists have some primary tasks to advanced cirrhosis, carrying a high risk of factors, and to the absence of atherogenic accomplish with their patients: (1) to all-cause and liver-related mortality. It dyslipidaemia. In the NAHNES popula- eradicate or halt viral infections; (2) to stop was later shown that altered liver tion, differences in case mix (a high prev- alcohol abuse; (3) to prevent and, later, enzymes per se carry a higher risk of both alence of NAFLD with cardiovascular treat common life-threatening complica- diabetes and cardiovascular events in the involvement) or in disease severity might tions (ascites, variceal bleeding, encepha- general population. have raised the cardiovascular risk to the lopathy); (4) to support liver function and