Chronic liver disease is the gradual destruction of the liver over time. It is a cause of death that includes cirrhosis and fibrosis of the liver and also alcoholic liver disease – which accounts for two thirds of the deaths due to this cause.

See also Map 40 Due to alcohol, and Map 44 Hepatitis.

Scotland, particularly Glasgow, sees the highest rates, with male rates higher than female. Inner London and the north west of England also see high rates for both sexes. In addition, there are also male clusters in Newcastle and south Wales. Rates are dramatically low in East Anglia and much of southern England. In general there is a very clear geographical divide.

Chronic liver disease can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, which is the replacement of normal liver tissue by fibrous scar tissue and regenerative nodules leading to progressive loss of liver function. Fibrosis is the formation of excess fibrous connective tissues.

Alcohol consumption and hepatitis are the most common causes of chronic liver disease. Together with the central nervous system, the liver is the part of the body most affected by alcohol consumption.

Forty-three per cent of deaths from this cause are of men aged 40–69.