Defining MASLD & MASH
What is a fatty liver?
Hepatic steatosis is a term used to describe the finding of excess fat accumulation in the liver. Some of the most common root causes for this condition include metabolic diseases such as diabetes and pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Previously, hepatic steatosis not secondary to alcohol use was lumped into a category called "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" or NAFLD. This naming was problematic for several reasons. First of all, the term "non-alcoholic" did nothing to describe the underlying disease process, so the condition has been widely underdiagnosed. Additionally, the term "fatty liver" can be stigmatizing.
In 2023, experts finalized a new and better naming system for these liver conditions, which is described below. Because this naming system is so new, you may still hear mention of the old terms at your doctor's office or in older educational materials. However, here at Salvo Health, we have adopted a new and more accurate naming system.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
MASLD is diagnosed if you have hepatic steatosis and at least one of the following metabolic risk factors:
- Overweight or obesity
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High triglycerides
- Low HDL or "good" cholesterol
- Taking cholesterol-lowering medications
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
MASH is a more severe form of MASLD characterized by liver inflammation and damage. It can progress to advanced liver conditions like cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
MetALD
MetALD describes those diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease who also consume greater amounts of alcohol per week.
To sum it up, the new names introduced for these liver conditions are a big improvement. Adopting these simpler and more descriptive terms is a big step towards improving our understanding and communication about these health issues. This change eliminates the confusion associated with the old terminology and makes it easier for everyone to grasp the nature of these conditions.