By Inflame 
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals a significant connection between advanced liver fibrosis scores and a higher risk of heart failure. Researchers analyzed noninvasive fibrosis scoring systems, including the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), and the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), to assess their relationship with cardiovascular health.
The study, led by Xiao L. and colleagues, utilized data from 19,695 participants in the NHANES (2011–2018). It found that individuals with higher liver fibrosis scores were at a markedly increased risk of heart failure, highlighting the importance of integrating liver and cardiovascular assessments in patient care.
Key Findings:
- Prevalence of Advanced Liver Fibrosis Risk:
- FIB-4: 4.20%
- NFS: 8.06%
- APRI: 0.35%
- Heart Failure Risk by Scoring System (Odds Ratios):
- FIB-4 (continuous): OR 1.15
- NFS: OR 1.42
- APRI: OR 1.44
- Categorical Analysis of Heart Failure Risk:
- FIB-4 ≥2.67 vs <1.3: OR 2.18
- NFS ≥0.675 vs <−1.455: OR 2.53
The study concludes that advanced liver fibrosis, as indicated by these scores, is strongly linked to heart failure risk. These findings stress the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach addressing both liver and heart health, particularly in high-risk groups.