When the body is functioning at its best, all the different parts work collaboratively. So, it makes sense that when one part of the body isn’t working optimally, it can also impact other parts of the body. That’s the case with the recently coined cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome.
In October 2023, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued a “presidential advisory” to highlight cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, which links obesity, diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease. The advisory underscores how these seemingly separate conditions are connected by shared and widespread risk factors.
What’s the connection between cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic risks?
According to the AHA, “a growing appreciation of the pathophysiological interrelatedness of metabolic risk factors such as obesity and diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease has led to the conceptualization of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome.” In simpler terms, many Americans have risk factors that increase their chances of developing all these conditions. Alarmingly, 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has three or more risk factors for CKM syndrome.
Common Risk Factors for CKM Syndrome:
- Excess weight
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
By recognizing the overlap in these risk factors, healthcare providers can help patients manage them more effectively, reducing the risk of severe health events such as heart attacks and strokes.
What are the symptoms of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome?
CKM syndrome is not a condition with unique symptoms. Instead, its presence is indicated by the combined risk factors listed above. Symptoms associated with these risk factors include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs (edema)
- Chest pain
- Increased thirst or urination (linked to high blood sugar)
How do I lower my risk of CKM?
Reducing your risk of CKM syndrome starts with simple, proactive steps:
- Schedule Regular Checkups: Regular medical visits provide critical insights into your health. Your provider can measure blood pressure, weight, and perform lab tests to assess blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
- Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits:
- Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
- Diet: Focus on a largely plant-based diet low in saturated fat and sodium.
- Sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Quit Smoking: Avoid tobacco use.
- Alcohol: Limit consumption.
- Stress Management: Use healthy outlets such as mindfulness, yoga, or hobbies to manage stress.
- Work with a Team of Experts: If you have diabetes or another metabolic condition, seek care from specialists in cardiometabolic health. For example, cardiometabolic therapy focuses on managing interconnected conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease to reduce complications.
The Bottom Line
Developing cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome is not inevitable. Many of its risk factors can be controlled with lifestyle changes and proper medical care. Taking steps to lower your CKM cardiovascular risk will benefit your overall health.
Learn More with Georgia Heart Institute
By addressing CKM symptoms early and taking preventive measures, you can protect your heart, kidneys, and metabolic health for years to come. The Center for Cardiovascular Prevention, Metabolism and Lipids at Georgia Heart Institute offers comprehensive programs to manage cardiometabolic health. You can call 770-219-0960 to learn more about how we can help today!