From the Research
CKM syndrome refers to the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by the interconnection between cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, as defined by the American Heart Association 1. This condition is proposed to originate from excess and/or dysfunctional adipose tissue, leading to damaged tissues in arteries, the heart, and the kidney, and reduction in insulin sensitivity. The syndrome is classified into four stages based on the presence of risk factors and clinical signs, with risk factors including chronic inflammatory conditions, family history of diabetes or kidney disease, mental health and sleep disorders, and increased levels of elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein 1. Management of CKM syndrome focuses on preventing future cardiovascular events through lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, and pharmacological treatment of metabolic syndrome components in later stages 1. The American Heart Association suggests that CKM syndrome screening should include both biological factors and social determinants of health (SDOH) 1. A recent study found that the 15-year adjusted cumulative incidences of cardiovascular mortality were significantly higher in patients with higher CKM syndrome stages, with a graded risk for cardiovascular mortality associated with higher CKM syndrome stage 2. Another study found that CKM syndrome is associated with increased morbidity and mortality after non-cardiac surgery, highlighting the importance of considering cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disorders in mutual context in this setting 3. Key aspects of CKM syndrome management include:
- Lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise
- Pharmacological treatment of metabolic syndrome components
- Screening for biological factors and SDOH
- Consideration of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disorders in mutual context Regular monitoring and management of CKM syndrome can help prevent complications and improve quality of life, particularly in patients with higher CKM syndrome stages 2.