Interest rising in CKM syndrome as connections become clearer
Interest rising in CKM syndrome as connections become clearer
Date: Highlighted on 24 July 2025
In AHA articles on CKM syndrome and the PREVENT calculator.
1. What is CKM Syndrome?
• CKM stands for Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic syndrome.
• It is a progressive condition now officially recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA).
• It links heart disease, kidney disease, and metabolic disorders (like diabetes and obesity) into one unified risk spectrum.
2. Disease Staging (According to the 2023 AHA Statement):
• Stage 1: Excess body fat, especially abdominal.
• Stage 2: Development of metabolic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, CKD).
• Stage 3: Subclinical cardiovascular disease (visible on imaging but without symptoms).
• Stage 4: Full cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, PAD, heart failure).
3. New Tool – PREVENT Calculator:
• Introduced by the AHA to help predict CKM progression.
• Uses lab values (HbA1C, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) and social determinants of health.
4. Clinical Implications:
• Cardiologists may see CKM patients before nephrologists or endocrinologists.
• This highlights the need for interdisciplinary care and early risk detection.
5. Recent Studies (2024 AHA Scientific Sessions):
• Tighter BP control (targeting 120 mmHg) in diabetics reduces CV events.
• Tirzepatide, a GIP/GLP-1 agonist, improves outcomes in HFpEF patients.
6. Gender Disparities:
• Women with CKM syndrome have 38% higher mortality risk than men.
• Prevention and treatment must be more aggressive and tailored in women.
7. CKM as a Global Challenge:
• ~90% of the U.S. population is already at stage 1 or higher.
• About 50% are in stage 2.
• The worldwide burden is possibly in the billions.
8. Future of Care – Cardiometabolic Clinics:
• A growing model where cardiologists, endocrinologists, and nephrologists work together.
• More specialists will be trained in cardiometabolic medicine.
9. Call to Action for Cardiologists:
• Start screening for early CKD (UACR) and HbA1C.
• Consider SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists for prevention.
• Shift toward preventive and personalized care is essential.
