What Exactly is ‘Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome’ and Why It’s So Important

The American Heart Association has updated the “risk calculator” that helps physicians determine a person's likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. The update primarily entailed "cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome" -- or CKM.

The advisory spells out stages of CKM, ranging from 0, where there are no risk factors and the focus is on prevention, to 4, which may include kidney failure. Treatments are specified for each stage.

March is National Kidney Month, a designation that focuses on preventing  or slowing the progression of kidney disease. The kidneys make urine and remove waste and extra fluid from the body. Kidneys filter all of a person’s blood up to 25 times a day

Adedapo Iluyomade, M.D., preventive cardiologist at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.

Specialists at the Cardiometabolic Clinic at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute address CKM through a multidisciplinary approach that “emphasizes the interconnected nature of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health,” explains Adedapo Iluyomade, M.D., a preventive cardiologist who helps lead the Cardiometabolic Clinic and other programs at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. 

“Recognizing that CKM represents a spectrum of interrelated risk factors and conditions, the clinic employs a team of specialists, including cardiologists, pharmacist, nurse navigator and dietitian, who work collaboratively with the patient's primary care provider, nephrologist and/or endocrinologist to develop personalized treatment plans,” said Dr. Iluyomade.

This integrated approach optimizes the management of CKM by treating the root causes of the syndrome, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia, with the goal of preventing progression to more advanced stages of CKM and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, added Dr. Iluyomade.

The Cardiometabolic Clinic incorporates the latest tools and guidelines in assessing cardiovascular risk, including the use of the updated risk calculator from the American Heart Association (AHA) that incorporates CKM.

“This risk calculator is a critical component of our risk assessment process, enabling us to more accurately predict a patient's likelihood of experiencing a cardiovascular event by considering the unique interplay between cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health,” explains Dr. Iluyomade. “By integrating CKM into our risk assessments, we can tailor preventive and therapeutic interventions more precisely, focusing on both traditional cardiovascular risk factors and those specific to CKM.”

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are commonly referred to the Cardiometabolic Clinic by nephrologists, particularly when there are concerns about the patient's cardiovascular risk or when CKM is suspected, he adds.

“Such referrals are a testament to the collaborative care model we embrace, recognizing the significant overlap between CKD and cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Iluyomade. “By working closely with nephrologists, the clinic ensures that patients with CKD receive comprehensive care that addresses not only their renal health but also the broader spectrum of cardiometabolic risk factors, aiming to prevent the progression of both CKD and cardiovascular disease.”

Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should or normally do. When this occurs, excess fluid and waste from blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

During National Kidney Month, it is vital for health consumers to understand the concept of CKM and its significance in relation to kidney health and overall well-being.  Dr. Iluyomade adds that Individuals should be aware of the risk factors for CKM, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol, and understand that proactive management of these conditions can significantly reduce the risk of developing CKM.

“CKM underscores the interconnectedness of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases, highlighting the importance of integrated care approaches in managing these conditions,” he explains. “I encourage everyone to engage in healthy lifestyle practices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco use, and to consult healthcare professionals for regular health screenings to detect and manage CKM risk factors early.”