Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and silent carotid plaque in Chinese aged population: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for carotid plaque in the general population; however, whether NAFLD is associated with carotid plaque in aged population remains unknown. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the association between NAFLD and carotid plaque in a Chinese aged population. METHODS: A total number of 12,990 Chinese aged adults (7,685 men and 5,305 women) were included. NAFLD was diagnosed based on the recommendation of Asia-Pacific Working Party on NAFLD and Chinese Association for the Study of Liver Disease and excessive alcohol consumption (weekly alcohol consumption /=75 IU/L), a history of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and obesity were censored although the significant association remained. CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD is associated with carotid plaque in Chinese aged population.