Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with early left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabeteS

Background Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is the first preclinical sign of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to morbidity and mortality in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and increases the chance of developing cardiovascular disease, the primary cause of death. Aim This work aimed to identify the association of LVDD and NAFLD in T2DM. Methods We recruited 40 patients with T2DM (20 with NAFLD and 20 without NAFLD). Laboratory investigations and abdominal ultrasonography were carried out. The degree of hepatic steatosis was measured by the hepatorenal index (HRI). The LVDD was assessed by echocardiography and tissue doppler imaging. Results The Left atrial volume, left ventricular volume index, and left ventricle filling pressure index (E/e) were higher in the NAFLD group (P < 0.05). The E/e index was correlated with HRI and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (P < 0.05). Hepatic steatosis by HRI was the only independent variable associated with LVDD. Conclusion NAFLD is associated and correlated with an increased risk of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with T2DM regardless of ventricular systolic function.