On August 23, 2024, The Texas Heart Institute hosted the Cardiometabolic Syndrome Conference: A Population Health Crisis, bringing together leading experts to tackle one of the most pressing global health challenges—cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. This condition, which links cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity, is a growing concern with far-reaching consequences. But as the conference revealed, there’s hope on the horizon.

In a recent paper titled, Shaping the Future of “Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic” Health: Insights From The Texas Heart Institute’s 2024 Cardiometabolic Syndrome Conference, published in The Texas Heart Institute Journal, Jan 23, 2025, authors Joseph G. Rogers, MD, Stephanie Coulter, MD, Keri Sprung, MBA and Arjun R. Raghuram, provide insights into CKM syndrome.

The published paper addresses the effects of CKM syndrome on multiple organ systems and how it is a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease and mortality. Despite medical advancements, gaps remain in prevention, patient education, and equitable access to care. The conference highlighted four key areas for innovation:

1. Technology: Smarter Risk Prediction Models

Predicting heart disease risk has long been a cornerstone of cardiovascular prevention, but traditional models often miss key variables. Enter the PREVENT equations—a revolutionary tool introduced by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2023. Unlike previous models, PREVENT incorporates kidney function, social determinants of health, and additional biomarkers to provide a more precise, inclusive, and accurate risk assessment. With integration into electronic health records, doctors can now tailor interventions more effectively.

2. Policy: Expanding Access to Care

Health policy plays a crucial role in fighting CKM syndrome. The expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act has significantly increased screenings and medication access for at-risk populations. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which caps prescription drug prices for Medicare patients, is making life-saving CKM medications more affordable. These policy shifts are helping close healthcare gaps for underprivileged communities.

3. Population Health: Educating the Next Generation

Preventing CKM syndrome isn’t just about treating adults—it’s about reaching people early. A recent study highlighted at the conference suggests that school-based health education programs can help children develop heart-healthy habits, reducing long-term risk. By implementing these programs in underserved schools, we can start preventing heart disease before it begins.

4. Lifestyle & Behavioral Interventions: Small Changes, Big Impact

From diet and exercise to stress management, lifestyle choices have a profound impact on CKM risk. Behavioral coaching programs, peer support groups, and digital health apps are helping patients stay engaged in their health journeys. The conference emphasized that community-driven interventions, such as Microclinic Social Network programs, are particularly effective in empowering individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

What’s Next for Cardiometabolic Syndrome

The 2024 Cardiometabolic Syndrome Conference underscored that CKM syndrome is both a challenge and an opportunity. Through collaboration between researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities, we can drive real change. By leveraging technology, policy, education, and behavior-based interventions, we are not only treating disease but building a healthier future for generations to come.

At The Texas Heart Institute, the mission is clear: pioneering solutions that save lives. With continued innovation and a commitment to tackling cardiometabolic syndrome from all angles, the future of heart health has never looked brighter.

Read the published paper here.