Latest Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in 2025 - Technology Transforming Health Concepts Series
- Siu Him Chan
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Originally published on CRC Health Centre's WeChat platform in Chinese:
As new technologies permeate our daily lives, our understanding and management of health are rapidly evolving. In 2025, what are the latest methods for preventing cardiovascular disease? Dr. Chen will guide us through an in-depth exploration of the concept of Cardiometabolic Health and explain how to maintain optimal cardiovascular and metabolic function.
What is Cardiometabolic Health?
Cardiometabolic health refers to the overall condition of the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) and the metabolic system (energy processing, blood sugar regulation, lipid metabolism, etc.). We are increasingly recognizing the close interplay between these two systems and understanding that metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Connection Between Cardiovascular and Metabolic Systems
Chronic Low-Grade InflammationMetabolic diseases (such as obesity and type 2 diabetes) are often accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation, leading to vascular endothelial dysfunction and promoting atherosclerosis.
Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular RiskInsulin resistance can cause hyperinsulinemia, which promotes lipogenesis, leading to hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and ultimately increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Dyslipidemia (Abnormal Lipid Metabolism)Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and increased triglycerides all accelerate the process of atherosclerosis, negatively impacting cardiovascular health.
Kidney Function and Cardiovascular HealthRecent studies show that kidney diseases (such as chronic kidney disease, CKD) are closely linked to cardiovascular disease. Declining kidney function affects sodium excretion, raises blood pressure, and leads to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and heart failure.
How is Cardiometabolic Health Classified? (CKM Syndrome Staging)
In October 2023, the American Heart Association (AHA) released a presidential advisory officially defining Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome (CKM Syndrome) as a distinct clinical entity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of heart, kidney, and metabolic health.
The Five Stages of CKM Syndrome
Stage | Characteristics | Clinical Indicators |
Stage 0 | Healthy individual | No metabolic disease risk factors |
Stage 1 | Risk Factor Stage | Overweight (BMI >25), elevated fasting glucose (100-125 mg/dL), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ↑), mildly elevated blood pressure (120-129/80 mmHg) |
Stage 2 | Chronic Disease Diagnosis | Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension (≥130/80 mmHg), high cholesterol (LDL ≥100 mg/dL) |
Stage 3 | Early Organ Damage | Coronary artery calcification (CAC), reduced glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m²) |
Stage 4 | Adverse Outcomes | Myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), heart failure (HF) |
This CKM staging system helps physicians, patients, and the public better understand the progression of disease and implement appropriate prevention and treatment strategies at each stage.
📖 Further Reading: 🔗 Official Website of the American Heart Association
How to Improve Cardiometabolic Health?
1. Dietary Adjustments: Reduce Processed Foods and Balance Nutrition
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods: Foods like pizza, fast food, and desserts, rich in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, promote insulin resistance and inflammation.
Low-Carbohydrate Diet: Studies show that low-carb diets can improve glucose metabolism, reduce visceral fat, and lower blood sugar and blood pressure.
Mediterranean Diet: Rich in unsaturated fatty acids (olive oil, nuts) and high-fiber fruits and vegetables, it helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. Exercise: Enhance Insulin Sensitivity and Lower Blood Pressure
At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling).
Resistance training (strength training) can increase muscle mass, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce fat storage.
3. Blood Pressure and Lipid Control: Combine Medication and Lifestyle Changes
Hypertensive patients (Stage 2 and above) should follow medical advice to use ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or calcium channel blockers.
Patients with hyperlipidemia may consider using statins to lower LDL-C and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Diabetic patients may benefit from SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., Empagliflozin) or GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Semaglutide), which not only control blood sugar but also offer cardiovascular and kidney protection.
Who Can Provide Cardiometabolic Health Advice?
Family doctors and cardiovascular specialists
Endocrinologists (for diabetes and metabolic diseases)
Nephrologists (for CKD patients)
Dietitians (for dietary guidance)
💡 Which stage of CKM are you in? Now is the best time to improve your cardiometabolic health!
Comments