If you don’t know what CKM means, you are not alone.
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a health condition that impacts the heart, kidneys, and metabolism (all the physical and chemical processes in the body that change or use energy). When these vital systems do not function properly, CKM syndrome occurs.
The conditions at the center of the syndrome are:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which impacts the heart and blood vessels
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
We now know that these conditions, once considered separate issues, are linked. When one gets worse, the others are more likely to develop or advance, making CKM syndrome more complicated.
There are five stages of CKM syndrome, ranging from Stage 0, which means no known health risks, to Stage 4, which means showing signs and symptoms of advanced heart disease. You can read more about each stage here.
Who is at risk?
Recent studies have revealed a startling statistic- 90% of U.S. adults are currently in Stage 1 or higher, with 15% of people already in an advanced stage of CKM syndrome.
The syndrome can affect any age group, but those 65 years of age and older are more likely to have the syndrome. That said, 80% of young adults between 20-44 already have CKM syndrome risk factors.
Black adults are more likely to have advanced CKM syndrome than adults of other races (18.9% among Black adults versus 14.7% for Hispanic adults, 13.8% for white adults, and 11.4% for Asian adults).
CKM risk factors
People with CKM syndrome risk developing a range of conditions that contribute to the stage and progression of the syndrome, including:
- Diabetes (when the body has insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood glucose)
- Increased or high percentage of body fat, especially around the belly
- High cholesterol in the blood
- Higher than normal blood sugar (but not diabetes)
- High blood fats (triglycerides)
- High blood pressure
- Obesity, BMI over 30
Making lifestyle changes can help improve each condition and CKM syndrome as a whole. Here are some preventive ways to focus on your health no matter what stage you may have:
- Eating healthier and keeping physically active are fundamental lifestyle changes you can make to combat CKM syndrome and lower your risk for the heart, kidney and metabolic conditions that contribute to it.
- Curbing habits, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, both of which are big contributors to heart disease and kidney function issues.
- Actively manage your health. Regular health check-ups are essential for monitoring your body’s functions and catching any issues early.
- If you are actively in Stage 1 or above for CKM syndrome, work with healthcare providers and establish a care plan that is best for you. Taking any recommended medication and continuing with treatments and therapies may make a positive impact.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Read more
The stages of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome
Pregnancy complications and your risk of cardiovascular disease
Sources
- “Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome.” American Kidney Fund, 19 Apr. 2024, www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/other-kidney-diseases/ckm-syndrome#what-is-ckm-syndrome.
- “Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome.” Cleveland Clinic, 5 Jan. 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-syndrome.
- “What Is CKM Syndrome and Could You Have It?” Mass General Brigham | Integrated Health Care System, www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/what-is-ckm-syndrome#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20main%20ways,diabetes%20%E2%80%94%20and%20therefore%20CKM%20syndrome.
