According to the American Heart Association (AHA), most adults in the U.S. may have risk factors that are linked to a little-known condition called CKM syndrome. This recently defined condition connects diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and kidney problems into one scary and powerful threat to the heart.
When these common issues overlap, the dangers increase far more than when they occur alone. Low awareness is an issue; this new insight can help people learn how CKM is diagnosed and treated. Understanding how these systems work together could help to prevent people from experiencing serious and life-threatening events such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, clogged arteries, heart attacks, peripheral artery disease, disability, and even early death.
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, or CKM, is estimated to affect nearly 90% of adults across the nation. Although a recent survey from the AHA shows that many people have not heard of CKM syndrome, most want to learn more about it.
Risk Factors for CKM Syndrome
- high blood pressure
- abnormal cholesterol levels
- high blood glucose (sugar)
- excess weight
- reduced kidney function
When these risk factors occur together, they increase the risks of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure significantly more than when they occur as a single condition. Fortunately, for many people, these risk factors and CKS syndrome can be reversed by making healthful lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, healthful eating habits, and appropriate medical treatment when necessary.
“We want people to know that it’s really common to have heart, kidney, and metabolic risk factors at the same time. It is reassuring that once the CKM connection was defined, nearly three-quarters of those responding understood that it was important and wanted to learn more,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention.
What the AHA Survey Revealed
- Only 12% of U.S. adults reported hearing about CKM health or CKM syndrome
- 79% agreed it is important to learn more about CKM health, and 72% said they want additional information
- Most respondents were interested in how CKM syndrome is treated (72%) and diagnosed (71%)
- 68% incorrectly believed health conditions should be managed one at a time or were unsure of the best approach
- 42% thought a healthy heart would not likely be affected by other organ systems, or were uncertain
- Overall, the analysis revealed major gaps in public awareness of CKM health
“The heart, kidney, and metabolic systems are connected and, as such, should be treated in a coordinated way,” Sanchez said. “These results reveal the need to emphasize those connections and help patients understand the importance of collaborative care.”
How Metabolism, the Heart, and the Kidneys are Connected
The combined function of the heart, kidneys, and metabolic system are referred to as CKM health. It is responsible for creating, using, and storing energy, which affects blood glucose levels and weight. These systems also rely on each other; when one is struggling, it places added strain on the others. Over time, this creates a harmful cycle that significantly increases the risk of CKM syndrome.
Helping People Understand CKM Health
The AHA is offering educational tools and an online resources hub to explain how everything is linked via their CKM Health Initiative. They have also released an educational video about heart health using clear visuals and plain language.
“CKM health is about your overall health,” said Sanchez. “It’s a full circle. You can take care of your overall health with regular checks of your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, and kidney function.”
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2818457
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/epub/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001184
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2818457#google_vignette
