Title: Emerging Medical Condition, CKM Syndrome, Threatens Heart, Kidneys, and Metabolic Health
By Marc Lallanilla
Published Oct. 12, 2023, 5:00 p.m. ET
A newly named medical condition linking cardiovascular and kidney disease with type 2 diabetes and obesity has been identified by the American Heart Association (AHA) as an emerging health threat. Known as CKM syndrome, or cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic syndrome, it affects almost every major organ in the body, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and liver.
The AHA revealed that one-third of US adults have three or more risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Dr. Chiadi E. Ndumele, lead author of the AHA advisory, described the identification of CKM as a “paradigm change” and emphasized the need to reduce the progression of individuals to heart disease.
By raising awareness of CKM syndrome, doctors hope to prevent, diagnose, and treat related ailments in their early stages. This proactive approach aims to identify individuals at high risk of premature death from heart disease and related conditions. Screening for kidney and metabolic disease will enable doctors to administer protective therapies earlier, effectively preventing heart disease and managing existing cases.
The AHA has developed a four-stage system to identify patients at risk for CKM syndrome. At Stage 0, individuals have no risk factors, while Stage 1 includes those who are overweight, have an unhealthy distribution of body fat, or prediabetes. Lifestyle changes and medications to manage blood sugar are recommended. Stage 2 involves individuals with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or kidney disease, who should focus on lifestyle changes, weight loss, and medications to manage their conditions. Stage 3 includes people with early cardiovascular or kidney disease who would benefit from treatments to maintain good blood flow. Finally, Stage 4 covers those with cardiovascular or kidney disease who have experienced symptoms such as heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure.
Early intervention is key to effectively combat CKM syndrome. Dr. Howard Weintraub, a preventative cardiologist at NYU Langone Health, highlighted the importance of obesity and waist circumference as focal points. He emphasized the need for doctors and patients to engage sooner in the disease process, rather than waiting for advanced stages. The ultimate goal is to prevent the development of serious health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes in young individuals.
Dr. Weintraub emphasized the urgency of keeping America’s youth at a healthy weight to avoid arteries turning into “lead pipes” by their 30s. By addressing CKM syndrome and its related conditions early, doctors hope to achieve this goal and reduce the burden of heart disease and related ailments on the population.