Nearly 90% of U.S. adults are at risk for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, raising concerns despite improvements in heart health metrics.
America’s heart health is showing signs of improvement in certain areas, yet a newly identified syndrome is raising alarms among health experts. According to a recent report from the American Heart Association (AHA), there has been a notable increase in life expectancy and a decrease in heart attacks and strokes compared to previous years.
This year’s report introduces a focus on cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a framework that examines the interconnected risks associated with heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. The AHA estimates that nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one component of this syndrome.
While the overall mortality from cardiovascular events has declined, experts caution that the prevalence of these risk factors could lead to future health crises if not properly addressed. The data reveals that the impact of these risks is not evenly distributed across different age groups.
“We see a mixed report with some good news and some concerning news,” said Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution. He highlighted the troubling rise in stroke deaths among specific age groups, noting an 8.3% increase among adults aged 25 to 34 and an 18.2% increase among individuals over 85, according to the AHA.
Additionally, the data indicates a rise in high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity among children and adolescents aged 2 to 19. Dr. Serwer expressed particular concern over the increase in stroke deaths among younger adults, as it reflects long-term risks that can accumulate silently over time.
To combat these issues, Dr. Serwer emphasized the importance of prevention strategies aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk. The AHA advocates for a comprehensive prevention strategy known as “Life’s Essential 8,” which focuses on eight modifiable components of cardiovascular health. These elements include maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding nicotine, ensuring adequate sleep, achieving a healthy weight, and managing blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure levels.
Improving these factors could potentially prevent up to 40% of annual all-cause and cardiovascular deaths among adults, according to Dr. Serwer. He stressed that it is insufficient to merely celebrate the reduction in heart attacks and strokes; proactive measures must be taken to address the concerning trends affecting youth, such as childhood obesity, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndromes that could lead to cardiovascular disease in the future.
As the AHA continues to monitor these trends, it is clear that a multifaceted approach is necessary to ensure the long-term health of the American population. The focus on CKM syndrome serves as a critical reminder of the interconnected nature of various health risks and the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate them.
For more insights on heart health and preventive measures, refer to the American Heart Association’s findings.
According to Fox News Digital.