Korea University Study Identifies "Liver–Heart Axis" as Major Risk Factor for Heart Failure in Seniors with Atrial Fibrillation

A new 2026 study from Korea University reveals how fatty liver disease and alcohol intake jointly elevate heart failure risk in seniors with AFib.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 8:55 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from [Korea University College of Medicine]

The Emerging Significance of the Liver–Heart Axis

New clinical evidence from the Korea University College of Medicine suggests that the relationship between hepatic metabolism and cardiac function is more intertwined than previously understood. While Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a known contributor to heart failure, this study highlights "steatotic liver disease" (SLD) as a primary driver of disease progression. Researchers led by Professor Seogsong Jeong found that liver-related inflammation and fat accumulation create systemic vascular stress, which actively promotes cardiac remodeling. This "liver–heart axis" represents a shift in how clinicians view cardiometabolic care, moving away from isolated organ treatment toward an integrated biological perspective.

Categorizing Risks by SLD Subtype

The study followed 7,543 adults aged 60 and older for nearly nine years, revealing a graded risk pattern for heart failure based on the specific type of liver disease present. The findings indicate:

MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated SLD): Represents the lowest increased risk tier.

MetALD (MASLD with Increased Alcohol Intake): Represents an intermediate risk level.