Q: My doctor says that I’m at risk for some newly named condition -- CKM Syndrome -- and I have to aggressively protect myself from developing it by changing how I do things day-to-day. Okay! But what is it? -- Clarence D., Wayne, Illinois
A: Your doctor is referring to the newly described “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome” or CKM that can develop if you are overweight or obese and/or have elevated blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, blood glucose and triglycerides -- all risk factors for heart and kidney disease and metabolic disorders like Type 2 diabetes. About a third of U.S. adults are candidates for the syndrome.
CKM was developed by the American Heart Association (AHA) to help doctors treat metabolic problems and heart and kidney risk factors as interconnected conditions. The AHA says this is important because Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of dying over the next 10 years by around 8% and kidney disease ups it by 11%, but if you have both conditions, your risk rises by 31%.
The syndrome is divided into four stages: Stage 1 is being overweight or having obesity. Stage 2 is when you have elevated triglycerides and blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. In Stage 3, you’re at high risk for cardiovascular disease or a very high risk for kidney disease. Stage 4 is when you’re diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
Fortunately, eating a plant-based, whole-food diet free of added sugars and red meats, getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, sleeping well and cultivating a posse and a purpose, can dramatically reduce your risk factors. In addition, weight loss/diabetes drugs reduce CVD deaths; drugs that help prevent kidney failure also protect against heart failure; and some antihypertensives benefit the kidneys. Supplement may also help. Check out iHerb.com’s blog “8 Essential Nutrients That Support Longevity.”
So, talk to your doc about an Rx for physical activity, consult a nutritionist, and get coordinated care for kidney, heart and metabolic risks. LongevityPlaybook.com’s free newsletter can provide support.
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Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world’s leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively.
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
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