The domino effect of cardiovascular, renal and metabolic conditions
Understanding the domino effect of your health involves recognizing the interconnectedness of your Cardio Renal Metabolic (CRM) system — like a row of dominoes.
It's a chain reaction: when one part is affected, it can trigger a series of impacts on the others.1,2 Your heart initiates the process, ensuring smooth flow. The kidneys maintain balance, and the metabolic system, including organs like the pancreas, liver, gut, kidney, and muscles, collaborates with distinct roles in this health connection.
Now, let's take a closer look at the relationship between the heart, kidneys, and metabolic system.
What are CRM Conditions?
CRM conditions refer to a group of interconnected health issues involving the cardiovascular system (heart health), renal system (kidney function), and metabolic system (metabolic balance).2 These three components, collectively known as the CRM system, are essential players in maintaining overall health. One thing that ties these components together are shared risk factors—factors that influence the health of your heart, kidneys, and metabolic system alike. Damage to any part can result in conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, and affect blood flow to organs.1
Cardiovascular System:
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels and blood.
Damage to any or all parts of the cardiovascular system can result in conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, and stroke. These affect the blood vessels and in turn the blood flow to the organs such as the kidneys and the pancreas.3
Renal System:
The renal system, comprising the kidneys, ureter, and urethra, is essential. High blood pressure can damage kidney blood vessels, impairing the removal of waste and fluid from the blood, eventually leading to kidney failure.4
Metabolic System:
The metabolic system, including the pancreas, liver, gut, kidney, and muscles, is crucial. Diabetes-induced high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nephrons in the kidneys over time, affecting their proper function.4
Be proactive and take control of your health
More than a billion people around the world suffer from diseases of these systems.5 But your health journey is a story. Early detection and timely intervention can shape a positive narrative. Consult your doctor to understand your health risks and take steps towards better cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic health. A yearly check of the blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar level is recommended, along with a check of eyes, feet, and kidneys. You can also explore simple lifestyle changes that safeguard your heart, nurture kidney health, and maintain metabolic balance.
Our eyes are to the future. Our optimism is unwavering.
References:
1. Leon BM, Maddox TM. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Epidemiology, biological mechanisms, treatment recommendations and future research. World J Diabetes. 2015;6(13):1246–58.
2. García-Donaire JA, Ruilope LM. Cardiovascular and Renal Links along the Cardiorenal Continuum. Int J Nephrol. 2011;2011:975782.
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Heart Disease & Kidney Disease. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/heart-disease. Last accessed: November 2023.
4. American Heart Association. How high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage or failure [Internet]. www.heart.org. 2022. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-lead-to-kidney-damage-or-failure
5. Study Identifies Prevalence of Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Conditions in US Adults [Internet]. AJMC. 2022 [cited 2023 Nov 24]. Available from https://www.ajmc.com/view/study-identifies-prevalence-of-cardio-renal-metabolic-conditions-in-us-adults