Topic: Heart–Liver Integrated Management in Metabolic Disorders

Background and Rationale:

Metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension are increasing worldwide and often affect multiple organs simultaneously. Among these, the heart and liver are closely interconnected through metabolic and circulatory processes. Liver dysfunction can increase cardiovascular risk by driving inflammation, lipid imbalances, and insulin resistance, while cardiac dysfunction can exacerbate liver injury by causing congestion and impaired circulation.

In recent years, this bidirectional relationship—often referred to as the heart-liver axis—has attracted growing scientific attention. A better understanding of the interplay between cardiac and hepatic conditions is essential to improving the prevention, early detection, and treatment of metabolic disorders and chronic liver disease. This Special Issue highlights research on the mechanisms underlying the heart-liver connection, epidemiological evidence regarding the heart-liver axis, and strategies for integrated, multidisciplinary management of affected patients.

Objectives:

● To explore shared biological pathways linking chronic liver disease and cardiovascular disease;

● To assess the current burden of metabolic disease with concomitant heart and liver involvement;

● To identify non-invasive diagnostic panels and biomarkers for early detection and risk assessment that reflect heart-liver interactions;

● To evaluate treatments that simultaneously support both cardiovascular and liver health and reduce overall cardiometabolic risk.

Topics of Interest:

● Epidemiological and clinical studies of coexisting chronic liver disease and cardiovascular disease in patients with metabolic disorders;

● Mechanistic insights into metabolic stress, inflammation, and organ crosstalk;

● Advances in diagnostic testing, including the development of non-invasive panels and biomarkers;

● Lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic treatments, and surgical procedures that confer combined benefits to hepatic and heart health;

● Models of integrated care and multidisciplinary management strategies for patients with cardio-hepatic comorbidities.

Target Audience:

This Special Issue will appeal to a broad range of stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, patients, policymakers, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in cardiology, hepatology, endocrinology, internal medicine, and primary care who are interested in integrated approaches to managing cardiovascular and hepato-metabolic diseases.