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Published on: November 7, 2017
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome
Karen M Dwyer1,2,3,4,5,6,7, Penelope E Figtree1,2,3,4,5,6,7, Katie Oetsch1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Insights
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome links metabolic, kidney, and heart diseases. Early identification and lifestyle changes, alongside targeted medications, can help manage CKM syndrome and potentially achieve remission.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a growing health concern, linking metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes, NAFLD), chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.
- While genetic factors play a role, social determinants and individual behaviors significantly influence CKM syndrome development.
- Key pathophysiological mechanisms include insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome and its interconnectedness.
- To highlight the role of biomarkers like urinary albumin:creatinine ratio in CKM syndrome management.
- To discuss prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions for CKM syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on CKM syndrome pathophysiology, risk factors, and management.
- Analysis of the utility of urinary albumin:creatinine ratio as a biomarker.
- Evaluation of current and emerging pharmacological treatments and lifestyle interventions.
Main Results:
- CKM syndrome is prevalent and multifactorial, influenced by genetics, environment, and behavior.
- Urinary albumin:creatinine ratio serves as an accessible biomarker for disease identification and monitoring.
- Lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapies offer reno- and cardio-protective benefits.
Conclusions:
- CKM syndrome requires a holistic, life-course approach to prevention and management.
- Integrated strategies involving lifestyle, medication, and monitoring are crucial for improving outcomes.
- Remission of CKM syndrome may be achievable with comprehensive interventions.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome recognises the connection between metabolic conditions (particularly obesity, diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease), chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. There is a high and growing prevalence of CKM syndrome. While genetic and epigenetic factors predispose to CKM syndrome, the emergence of disease is heavily influenced by social determinants of health and individual behaviours. The pathophysiology of CKM syndrome is driven by insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. Urinary albumin:creatinine ratio is a relatively cheap and accessible biomarker of CKM syndrome, which can be used to identify and monitor disease trajectory. Primary and secondary prevention is relevant across the life course. Healthy behaviours, including diet, physical activity, sleep and stress management are important. There are established and emerging drugs that are effective across a range of metabolic conditions and that confer reno- and cardio-protective effects. Remission may be achievable.
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