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.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- 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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