Study Predicts Significantly Earlier Onset of Heart Disease Risk for People with CKM Syndrome

A new study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 reveals alarming predictions about the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk for individuals with chronic kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, or both conditions. The research, which used simulated risk profiles and the American Heart Association's PREVENT calculator, found that people with these components of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome could face elevated CVD risk between 8 and 28 years earlier than those without these conditions.

The study's findings underscore the critical importance of early intervention and management of CKM syndrome components. Lead study author Vaishnavi Krishnan, a researcher at Northwestern University and medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, emphasized the significance of understanding how age interacts with risk factor levels to optimize CKM health.

According to the simulation study, adults with stage 3 chronic kidney disease were predicted to reach elevated CVD risk 8 years earlier than those without CKM syndrome. For individuals with Type 2 diabetes, the elevated risk was predicted to occur 9 to 11 years earlier. Most strikingly, adults with both Type 2 diabetes and stage 3 chronic kidney disease were projected to reach elevated CVD risk 26 years earlier for women and 28 years earlier for men compared to those without these conditions.

These findings have significant implications for public health and clinical practice. With nearly half of all U.S. adults living with some form of CVD and one in three having at least three risk factors contributing to CKM syndrome, the ability to identify high-risk individuals earlier could dramatically improve primary prevention efforts and reduce premature deaths from CVD.

Dr. Sadiya S. Khan, co-author of the study and associate professor at Northwestern School of Medicine, noted that while this research represents an early step in understanding risk model dynamics, further work and guidelines are needed to determine how to apply the PREVENT equations and establish appropriate risk thresholds in clinical settings.

The American Heart Association has recognized the complex health threat posed by CKM syndrome and has launched a four-year Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative. This initiative aims to improve coordination among specialists, promote best practices, and implement guidelines for CKM syndrome treatment.

While the study's strength lies in its examination of risk factors across nearly the full adult life course, it is important to note that the results are based on predicted risk calculations using a simulated population. Nonetheless, these findings serve as a crucial wake-up call for healthcare providers and individuals alike to take proactive measures in addressing CKM syndrome components.

As research in this area continues to evolve, it is clear that a more comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health is needed, one that takes into account the interplay between heart disease, kidney function, and metabolic disorders. The potential for dramatically earlier onset of CVD risk in individuals with CKM syndrome components highlights the urgency of developing targeted prevention strategies and treatment protocols.

For the general public, these findings emphasize the importance of regular health screenings, particularly for kidney function and diabetes, even in younger adults. Early detection and management of these conditions could potentially add years of heart-healthy life. As the medical community works to refine risk assessment tools and treatment guidelines, individuals are encouraged to discuss their personal risk factors with healthcare providers and take steps to maintain optimal cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health throughout their lives.