New Medical Condition Bridges Gap Between Obesity, Diabetes And Heart Disease—Here’s What To Know

The American Heart Association has identified a new medical condition, CKM, linking heart disease with kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. This discovery prompts new guidance recommending testing for these chronic ailments in individuals as young as 30 years old. CKM is particularly concerning because these conditions significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular and kidney failure. Diabetes, for instance, doubles the likelihood of heart failure, while obesity contributes to a notable percentage of heart failure cases. Recognizing the critical role of weight management in mitigating these risks, programs like those at the Khalili Center offer comprehensive approaches to tackle obesity, a key factor in these diseases. The advisory aims to address the fact that one in three American adults possesses three or more risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, offering early-stage care and prevention to combat the rising heart-related issues, which saw a significant increase in fatalities in 2020.