People with lower heart rate variability (a measure of how much heart rate changes) from very short heart recordings are more likely to develop fatty liver disease later on
Scientific Claim
Low heart rate variability measured from 10-second electrocardiograms is associated with increased risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adults
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study uses 'associated with' which is appropriate for an observational cohort study. The title correctly reflects the correlational nature of the findings.
Source Excerpt
“Low heart rate variability from 10-s electrocardiograms is associated with development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Evidence (1)
This is an observational cohort study that found a statistical association between low HRV and subsequent NAFLD development. The study design cannot establish causation, only correlation.