Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health: Definition, Staging, Risk Assessment, and Therapeutic Considerations

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular medicine
• Nephrology
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic health

Background:

• Hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) share common pathophysiology linked to excess or dysfunctional adiposity.
• These conditions often require similar therapeutic strategies.
• The American Heart Association (AHA) issued a Presidential Advisory on Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Health to address these interconnected conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome and its progression.
• To highlight the central role of adiposity in CKM syndrome.
• To emphasize the importance of assessing metabolic and social risk factors in CKM health.

Main Methods:

• The study is based on the AHA Presidential Advisory on CKM Health.
• It synthesizes current research on the pathophysiology linking adiposity to cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases.
• The advisory outlines a framework for understanding CKM syndrome and its management.

Main Results:

• CKM syndrome is defined by a spectrum of conditions with cardiovascular disease as a potential endpoint.
• Excess or dysfunctional adiposity is identified as a key underlying factor.
• Metabolic and social determinants of health are crucial considerations in CKM syndrome.

Conclusions:

• CKM syndrome represents a significant public health challenge requiring integrated management.
• A multidisciplinary approach is essential for effective therapeutic strategies.
• Early evaluation and intervention targeting adiposity and associated risk factors are critical for preventing cardiovascular outcomes.