Overview

Because NAFLD typically causes no symptoms, it is often found when tests done for other reasons point to a liver problem. For example, a blood test done during a yearly exam may show high levels of liver enzymes, which can lead to more testing and a NAFLD diagnosis.

Tests done to diagnosis NAFLD, rule out other diseases and see how bad liver damage is include:

Blood tests

  • Complete blood count.
  • Iron studies, which show how much iron is in your blood and other cells.
  • Liver enzyme and liver function tests.
  • Tests for chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis C and others).
  • Celiac disease screening test.
  • Fasting blood sugar.
  • Hemoglobin A1C, which shows how stable your blood sugar is.
  • Lipid profile, which measures blood fats, such as cholesterol and triglycerides.

Imaging procedures

Imaging tests used to diagnose NAFLD include:

  • Abdominal ultrasound, which is often the first test used when liver disease is suspected.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scanning. These tests are better at finding mild liver fibrosis but can’t tell NASH from NAFLD.
  • Transient elastography, a newer type of ultrasound that measures the stiffness of your liver. Liver stiffness is a sign of fibrosis or scarring.
  • Magnetic resonance elastography, which combines MRI imaging with sound waves to create a visual map, or elastogram, showing the stiffness of body tissues.

Liver biopsy

If other tests show signs of more-advanced liver disease or NASH, or if your test results are unclear, your doctor may suggest a liver biopsy. Liver biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue from your liver. It is usually done using a needle through the abdominal wall. The tissue sample is looked at in a lab for signs of inflammation and scarring. Liver biopsy is the best way to diagnose NASH and clearly shows the amount of liver damage.

A liver biopsy can be uncomfortable, and it does have risks that your health care team will go over with you in detail. This procedure is done using a needle that is passed through the abdominal wall and into the liver.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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