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Fatty liver disease is the fastest-growing segment of chronic liver disease. It is estimated that more than one in three adults suffer from Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease aka. MASLD (previously non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD)1. By 2030, it is estimated that 100 million Americans will be affected by this condition.
Fatty liver disease results from an excess amount of fat in the liver. It is often caused by alcohol use, but many people also develop it for reasons unrelated to alcohol, this is known as MASLD. Usually a small amount of fat isn’t problematic, but for about 20% of those with fatty liver, the condition worsens and leads to inflammation in the liver. This is known as Metabolic associated steatohepatitis, MASH (previously non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH). Inflammation in the liver can further turn into scar tissue, a process called fibrosis. When scar tissue extensively replaces healthy tissue and impairs liver function, cirrhosis occurs which can lead to liver failure or cancer.
Fatty liver disease is considered a silent epidemic because typically there are no noticeable symptoms, which can lead to underdiagnosis. In fact, 69% of cirrhotic patients in the ER were unaware they had pre-existing liver disease. [Source] With early detection and intervention fatty liver disease can be halted or even reversed. Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a nutritious diet and exercising, can greatly improve your liver health. Progress continues to be made in developing therapeutics to treat fatty liver disease. Speak to your doctor about treatment options.
While fatty liver disease may not present obvious symptoms, there are signs to be aware of, including fatigue, unexplained weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your physician. If you have type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, or metabolic disease, you may be at higher risk for fatty liver disease and should discuss screening with your doctor.
Velacur is an ultrasound imaging tool that physicians use to measure liver stiffness and attenuation, the two leading indicators of fatty liver disease.
The Velacur procedure is painless, non-invasive and can be performed in 10 minutes, with results that can be reviewed immediately.
If you are experiencing symptoms including fatigue, unexplained weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. or have a high risk of fatty liver disease, speak to your doctor about getting a liver exam.
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Wear clothes that can provide easy access to the right side of your rib cage, such as a shirt that can be pulled up. This will make it easy for the operator to perform the exam.
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To optimize the accuracy of the examination, we recommend fasting for a minimum of 4 hours before your scheduled appointment.
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While fasting, you are encouraged to consume clear fluids only.
