Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome definition and its role in the prevention, risk staging, and treatment. An opportunity for the Nephrology

Abstract

The recent conceptualization of the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome by the American Heart Association (AHA) opens an opportunity for a multidisciplinary and lifelong approach in the risk stratification, early prevention, and treatment of the vicious circle generated by the interaction of cardiovascular, renal and metabolic risk factors and aggravated by the development of cardiovascular diseases (including their full spectrum: heart failure, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease), chronic kidney disease or type 2 diabetes mellitus, with the excess or dysfunctional adiposity as the trigger. Three publications offer the rational basis of a conceptual decalogue and action plan and a new cardiovascular risk stratification equation since the age of 30 that includes measures of renal function/damage, among others, to promote effective cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic prevention. In Spain, we must leverage this momentum to adapt these new concepts to our reality with greater and improved collaboration between primary care and the specialties involved in CKM syndrome, including the formation of multidisciplinary units for the optimal management using a patient-centred approach.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Chronic kidney disease; Diabetes; Enfermedad cardiovascular; Enfermedad renal crónica; Metabolic syndrome; Obesidad; Obesity; Síndrome metabólico.