A recent study suggests that nearly 90% of adults over 20 in the United States are at risk of developing heart disease, which is quite alarming. While this doesn’t mean that most adults already have heart disease, it does highlight a significant risk factor, even among younger people.
Researchers have identified a syndrome called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, which takes into account the connections between heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease. This syndrome is diagnosed in stages from zero (no risk factors) to four (diagnosed heart disease plus other risk factors).
The study, published in JAMA, analyzed data from over 10,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) over nearly a decade. Surprisingly, almost 90% of the participants met the criteria for CKM syndrome.
Of particular concern is that nearly half of the participants were at stage 2 of CKM, indicating moderate risk due to factors like high blood sugar, hypertension, high cholesterol, or chronic kidney disease.
Moreover, over a quarter of the group were at increased risk due to obesity or being overweight, without specific symptoms.
The prevalence of advanced disease remained steady between 2011 and 2020, with obesity being a significant factor contributing to this trend.
While older participants were more likely to be at an advanced stage, younger adults weren’t as protected as one might assume, with only 18% of those aged 20 to 44 having no risk factors.
These findings underscore the importance of early detection and intervention by healthcare providers to prevent serious complications like heart attacks and strokes. Lifestyle changes such as improving diet and increasing physical activity can help mitigate these risks.
The high rates of CKM syndrome are attributed to the epidemic of overweight and obesity, which underscores the urgent need to address these issues.
The inclusion of kidney disease in assessing cardiovascular risk is significant, as kidney disease can significantly amplify the risk of cardiovascular events.
Overall, this study highlights the cumulative impact of unhealthy behaviors over time and emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize the broader health implications of their lifestyle choices, not just for heart health but also for overall well-being.
