NEW YORK, Oct 9, (Agencies): As an increasing number of Americans are being diagnosed with multiple chronic health issues at younger ages, the American Heart Association has introduced a new medical condition, known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM), to address the interconnectedness of obesity, diabetes, and heart and kidney diseases. This recognition aims to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment for individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality.

Dr. Chiadi E. Ndumele, the director of obesity and cardiometabolic research at Johns Hopkins University, emphasized the importance of reducing the progression of individuals to heart disease as the primary goal. CKM acknowledges the adverse effects of metabolic risk factors like abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar on various organs.

Dr. Pam R. Taub, a cardiologist at UC San Diego School of Medicine, noted that CKM represents a significant shift in how doctors approach patient treatment, emphasizing the intricate interplay between organs. Early detection of conditions like kidney disease through urine samples allows for preventive measures that can halt disease progression.

CKM is divided into stages to identify patients at risk and provide appropriate treatment:

Stage 0: No risk factors for heart disease.

Stage 1: Overweight individuals with abdominal fat or prediabetes are encouraged to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Stage 2: Patients with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or kidney disease may require medications and diabetes drugs.

Stage 3: Individuals with metabolic risk factors but no symptoms may need heart and diabetes medications and artery assessments.

Stage 4: Patients with diagnosed heart disease, excess body fat, metabolic risk factors, or kidney disease may need specialized care.

Over 90% of adults fall on the CKM spectrum, primarily due to rising levels of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The advisory encourages doctors to target a broader audience and treat patients earlier in the disease progression. It also highlights the significance of recognizing obesity as a health risk.

Dr. Howard Weintraub, clinical director of the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at NYU Langone Heart, suggests that reaching individuals when they are younger and healthier is essential to preventing advanced conditions. While new drugs offer promise, concerns about their cost and insurance coverage persist.

In conclusion, CKM represents a shift in healthcare to address the complex interplay between obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Early detection and intervention are critical to improving patient outcomes and preventing advanced health issues.