Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related cardiovascular risk: Is there an association with blood hemoglobin levels?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in Western countries. There is emerging evidence on the relationship between NAFLD and increased cardiovascular risk. NAFLD is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, but several other entities play a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD more than metabolic syndrome. Currently, studies suggest that elevated hemoglobin levels are associated not only with the existence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis but also with the severity of hepatic fibrosis. In this review, we aimed to discuss the potential role of high hemoglobin levels in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NAFLD-associated cardiovascular risk.