AHA announces new initiative for cardiovascular kidney metabolic syndrome

The University of Cincinnati's Prakash Gudsoorkar, MD, spoke with MedCentral about the American Heart Association's 4-year initiative launched in July to define clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular kidney metabolic syndrome. Cardiovascular kidney metabolic (CKM) syndrome was first defined in an October 2023 presidential advisory and scientific statement as a health disorder due to connections among heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity leading to poor health outcomes.

"AHA’s 4-year Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Health (CKMH) initiative is a significant step forward in addressing the complex interplay between cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases, particularly given the high prevalence of these conditions and the existing gaps in clinical care," said Gudsoorkar, assistant professor and medical director of Onconephrology Service in the Division of Nephrology in UC’s College of Medicine and a UC Health nephrologist. 

"Since CKM syndrome was defined last October (2023), my approach to patient care has become more integrative, focusing on holistic, comprehensive screening and multidisciplinary management to address these interconnected conditions," he continued.

Gudsoorkar said defining CKM syndrome as distinct is essential to provide a more integrated approach and identify patients who might otherwise fall through the cracks of siloed health care systems.

"The CKM syndrome framework can fill significant gaps in current care by promoting earlier detection, more coordinated and comprehensive management strategies, and tailored treatment guidelines that consider the interdependencies of these conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of disease progression," he said.

Read the MedCentral article.

Featured photo at top of a model of a kidney. Photo/Robina Weermeijer/Unsplash.