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Fatty liver

Fatty liver, or NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), is a common condition that affects about 15 percent of the population in Sweden. This liver disease is linked to overweight and associated conditions such as diabetes and can lead to impaired liver function if left untreated.

Causes of Fatty Liver

Fatty liver can have several underlying causes:

  • Overweight and Obesity: The most common cause of fatty liver is excess weight, which can lead to fat accumulation in the liver.
  • Diabetes and Insulin Resistance: Individuals with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance are at increased risk of developing fatty liver.
  • Alcohol Abuse: Although most people with fatty liver do not overconsume alcohol, excessive alcohol intake can also lead to fatty liver.
  • Genetic Factors: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing fatty liver, regardless of lifestyle.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver

Most people with fatty liver experience no symptoms in the early stages, but over time the following symptoms may appear:

  • Fatigue and Weakness: Constant fatigue is often reported despite adequate sleep.
  • Pain or Discomfort in the Upper Abdomen: Particularly on the right side, where the liver is located.
  • Abnormal Blood Tests: Elevated liver enzymes may be detected during routine blood tests.

Diagnosis of Fatty Liver

Fatty liver is usually diagnosed through blood tests that measure liver enzymes, but other methods include:

  • Ultrasound: A non-invasive method to visualize fat accumulation in the liver.
  • Liver Biopsy: A biopsy may be taken if fibrosis or more advanced liver damage is suspected, to determine the severity of the liver damage.
  • Fibrosis Stage: The severity of fibrosis is the key indicator of the future risk of liver function impairment.

Blood Tests for Fatty Liver Evaluation

In diagnosing fatty liver (NAFLD), a range of blood tests is often used to assess liver health. Common tests include ALT and AST, which are liver enzymes that increase with liver damage and inflammation. ALP and GT are used to assess the function of the bile ducts, and elevated levels can indicate bile duct issues sometimes seen in fatty liver. Bilirubin is measured to determine whether the liver can effectively break down and excrete waste products. Blood lipids and glucose levels are also commonly tested, as individuals with fatty liver often have high cholesterol, triglycerides, and are at risk for type 2 diabetes. These tests provide an overview of liver function and help the physician determine the need for further investigations, such as ultrasound or liver biopsy.

Treatment of Fatty Liver

There is no specific medical treatment for fatty liver, but lifestyle changes can make a significant difference:

  • Dietary Changes: A balanced diet with fewer calories and more nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can reduce fat in the liver.
  • Weight Loss: Losing 7-10% of body weight can drastically improve liver health.
  • Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps reduce fat accumulation in the liver and improve its function.
  • Medical Treatment of Associated Conditions: If you have diabetes or high cholesterol, medical treatment can improve both liver health and overall health.

Preventive Measures to Minimize the Risk of Fatty Liver

Fatty liver can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices:

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Avoid excess weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption: While most people with fatty liver do not drink heavily, it is important to keep alcohol consumption moderate to protect the liver.
  • Regular Health Checkups: Early detection of fatty liver through routine blood tests can prevent serious complications.

Fatty Liver Can Lead to Cirrhosis

It is estimated that about 20 percent of people with fatty liver develop inflammation in the liver, called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This inflammation increases the risk of developing cirrhosis, a serious condition where the liver becomes damaged and no longer functions properly. Of those with NASH, approximately 20 percent are expected to develop cirrhosis. In Sweden, this corresponds to around 45,000 people.

Related tests and health checks


Liver Check Test

Liver Check Test

Health check liver
Information

Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

  • Health check for your liver function
  • Analysis of relevant liver markers
  • Get more insight into your liver health

259 kr


MR Liver

MR Liver

MRI examination of the liver
Information

Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

Call included

Call included, one of our doctors will contact you.
  • MR Liver provides detailed visualization of liver tissue, bile ducts and blood flow.
  • Recommended for elevated liver values, suspected fatty liver, cysts or tumors.
  • Safe, gentle and completely radiation-free method with high diagnostic precision.
  • Telephone consultation and medical referral to a radiologist are included with booking.

6 795 kr

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