By Family Features for American Heart Association | Contributor
Cardiovascular health encompasses far more than just the heart; it represents a reciprocal relationship between the heart and various other organs in the body. Surprisingly, a significant number of U.S. adults lack awareness of this vital connection.
A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association revealed that 42% of adults in the United States do not fully grasp how the function of other organs can influence heart health.
Issues in other organ systems, such as the kidneys or the metabolic system—which regulates weight and blood glucose—can contribute to heart complications.
This intertwined relationship among heart health, kidney function, and metabolic conditions is known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, or CKM health. The American Heart Association has launched an initiative aimed at enhancing public understanding of how these systems interrelate. Deterioration in one system can exacerbate problems in others, leading to a condition termed CKM syndrome.
Nearly 90% of adults in the U.S. exhibit at least one element of CKM syndrome, as indicated by a study published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association.” These elements encompass high blood pressure, irregular cholesterol levels, elevated blood glucose, being overweight, and impaired kidney function. The interplay of these risk factors significantly heightens the chances of experiencing heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure compared to any single factor alone.
Furthermore, the survey indicated that although only 12% of U.S. adults are familiar with CKM health or CKM syndrome, an impressive 72% expressed a desire to learn more, and 79% acknowledged the importance of understanding CKM health.
“We want individuals to recognize that it is quite common to experience heart disease, metabolic disorders, or diminished kidney function simultaneously,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association. “It’s uplifting to note that once the CKM connection was clarified, about three-quarters of respondents recognized its significance and wanted further information.”
To illustrate the reciprocal nature of the heart-body relationship, the “2 Truths and No Lie” video provides a clear visual representation of the following:
- The heart circulates blood throughout the body.
- The metabolic system converts blood glucose into energy.
- This metabolic process generates waste, which re-enters the bloodstream.
- The kidneys filter this waste and balance bodily fluids, playing a role in regulating blood pressure.
- Blood pressure influences how effectively the heart pumps blood.
In addition to supplying resources to promote awareness of the connections between heart, kidney, and metabolic health, the American Heart Association’s CKM Health Initiative collaborates with healthcare teams nationwide to enhance cooperation among health professionals treating patients with multiple health issues. Increased awareness and early screening can empower individuals to take preventive steps against heart attacks, heart failure, or strokes.
This initiative is supported by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, as well as supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, along with champion sponsor DaVita.
To discover more about CKM health, visit heart.org/myCKMhealth.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
