It’s common knowledge that the body changes with age, and these changes may have an effect on general health. Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome (CKM Syndrome) is one of the comorbid health conditions—meaning there is more than one disease or condition within the body at the same time—that seniors may have. This syndrome includes a number of illnesses that frequently coexist and have an impact on one another, making it difficult for seniors to maintain good health. However, through collaboration with their medical team and support from loved ones and companion care at home, seniors diagnosed with this syndrome gain valuable knowledge to help them maintain it.
What Is Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome?
Three main organ systems are involved in CKM syndrome: the kidneys, the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), and metabolic processes (obesity and insulin resistance). Compromised systems have the potential to compound one another’s impacts, creating a complicated web of health problems, as shown below:
- Heart Health: Seniors with CKM syndrome frequently experience symptoms of heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension (high blood pressure). The heart and blood vessels may be overworked by certain cardiovascular problems, raising the possibility of consequences.
- Kidney Function: The kidneys are essential for eliminating waste from the body and controlling fluid balance. Impaired kidney function, frequently brought on by chronic kidney disease (CKD), can cause electrolyte imbalances and fluid retention in CKM syndrome, which puts additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
- Metabolic Factors: Insulin resistance, dyslipidemia (abnormally high cholesterol and triglyceride levels), and obesity are common components of metabolic health in CKM syndrome. By causing oxidative stress and inflammation, for example, these factors impact kidney function in addition to raising the risk of cardiovascular disease.
What Challenges Does CKM Present for Seniors?
Seniors are more likely to have peripheral artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes because of how CKM syndrome affects the circulatory system at the same time, and these are just a few of the challenges they face. CKM syndrome also impacts the renal system, causing chronic renal disease to worsen with time, resulting in problems including anemia, electrolyte abnormalities, and fluid overload. Metabolic complications have also been noted. This is because controlling metabolic variables becomes more difficult with age and frequently necessitates close monitoring of cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight.
How Is CKM Syndrome Treated?
Seniors with CKM syndrome require a multimodal approach to management. Put simply, this means that a variety of treatments might be necessary. Some of those are included below:
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing cardiovascular and metabolic risks can be achieved by promoting a nutritious diet low in sodium and saturated fats, frequent exercise catered to the seniors’ capabilities, and quitting smoking. With companion care in the home, seniors can be encouraged to work on each of these issues. For instance, home care can help seniors create healthy meals and ensure they do some sort of exercise each day, even if it’s only walking around the block.
- Medication: Seniors may need medication to regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and renal disease symptoms, depending on their unique health profiles.
- Frequent Monitoring: Early detection and intervention depend on regular check-ups to evaluate kidney function, cardiovascular health, and metabolic markers. As mentioned above, companion care at home is the perfect built-in solution for seniors aging in place.
Seniors with CKM Syndrome have a variety of complex issues that affect their quality of life and require a well-rounded care approach. Companion care at home and medical professionals can help seniors maintain their metabolic health by addressing risk factors and supporting kidney function to help them better manage this condition.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/new-syndrome-identified-that-links-heart-disease-metabolic-disorders-and-kidney-disease
https://www.heart.org/en/professional/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-health
https://www.health.com/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-syndrome-8356537
If you are considering companion care at home in Bay City, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
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