Fatty livers lead to early stroke and heart attack

Fatty liver is the most common liver disease in Iran, said the deputy health minister. Professor Reza Malekzadeh told Iran Daily that those who have fatty liver will grapple with stroke and heart attack at an early age.

He said a person with fatty liver, may not be aware of his ailment for years since it does not give rise to any pain.

Usually, 80 percent of those with fatty liver are not aware of their ailment for years unless they undergo a laboratory test or use ultrasound imaging.

The sub specialist said based on statistics, 30 percent of Iranians suffer from fatty liver, of whom 10 percent have intense fatty liver.

He said those with fatty liver, lose their lives due to stroke and heart attack in 80 percent of the cases. This has exposed Iranians to premature death from stroke and heart attack, he noted.

Malekzadeh attributed fatty liver to harmful lifestyles such as overeating and sedative lifestyle.

He said 39 percent of women and 25 percent of in Iran are overweight.

In all, close to 70 percent of the Iranians are overweight or have excess weight, he added.

Malekzadeh said physical exercise and weight loss are major treatments for fatty liver.

“We recommend people to reduce consumption of rice, bread, potato and cookies by 30 percent and replace them with vegetables and fruits.

“In addition, people should be accustomed to regular exercise and physical activity at least 40 minutes for five days a week.

“We don’t mean a simple walking. Rather, they should sweat while exercising.”

He said Iran is among the countries with a high prevalence of fatty liver, adding this phenomenon is spreading worldwide particularly in third world nations.

Malekzadeh continued that Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the most common digestive problem. He added 80 percent of those who undergo endoscopy, are informed that they have GERD.

He said obesity, overeating and consumption of chilli, fatty and spicy foods lead to GERD.

Also, overconsumption of tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, sandwiches, pizza, sausages, salamis, red sauce, chips, fruit bar and sour fruits may expose a person to GERD, he added.

He mentioned that flatulence is accompanied with belch.

Overconsumption of sugar and milk intensifies flatulence, he added. “We recommend people to avoid eating gas-producing foods,” he concluded.