A recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024 highlights a concerning correlation between chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) years earlier than previously thought.
Research indicates that individuals with chronic kidney disease or type 2 diabetes may face a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease 8 to 28 years earlier than those without these health conditions. These findings underscore the interconnection between cardiovascular health, kidney function, and metabolic disorders, collectively known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome.
The study, employing simulated patient profiles, aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with CKM syndrome across different age groups. This initiative utilized the American Heart Association’s Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTS (PREVENT) calculator to forecast when individuals might reach an elevated CVD risk level. The research drew upon data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 2011 and 2020, focusing on men and women aged 30 to 79.
Chronic kidney disease was characterized by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 44.5, indicative of stage 3 kidney disease. Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes was confirmed through a positive response to the PREVENT calculator’s query about a history of diabetes. The study’s findings reveal that nearly half of all U.S. adults have some form of CVD, with one in three possessing multiple risk factors related to CKM syndrome.
Lead author Vaishnavi Krishnan points out that existing guidelines may need revision, as traditional methods like the Pooled Cohort Equations did not account for kidney function and were limited to individuals starting at age 40. The PREVENT equations now enable earlier risk assessments, even in those in their 30s, potentially improving early diagnosis and prevention strategies for heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Furthermore, individuals with borderline elevated blood pressure, glucose, or kidney function might be at risk, despite having no formal diagnosis. For these individuals, particularly those with combined CKM conditions, the risk can manifest decades earlier, prompting a need for more proactive health monitoring and intervention initiatives.
To address these early-onset risks, the American Heart Association has launched a four-year initiative to enhance CKM care. By fostering collaboration and identifying care gaps, this initiative aims to develop clearer, evidence-based treatment guidelines. External experts like Dr. Richard Wright emphasize that while the study draws from simulations rather than direct clinical data, it highlights the substantial compounded risk CKM conditions pose in predicting adverse cardiovascular events.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen adds that chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and kidney disease elevate CVD risk through various mechanisms, including increased systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis. The study’s simulated risk assessments demonstrate the importance of refining risk models to aid clinical use, and the AHA’s focus on CKM syndrome provides a valuable framework for developing preventive and management strategies for these interlinked diseases.
The study’s insights into the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease among individuals with diabetes and kidney disease stress the need for timely intervention and enhanced monitoring systems. While the findings are based on simulations, they offer critical perspectives on improving health outcomes by addressing these interconnected conditions early.
Source: MedicalNewsToday
