Lifestyle
Women and the Intersection of Heart, Kidney and Metabolic Health
Last Updated on July 31, 2025 by Rod Washington
Women and the Intersection of Heart, Kidney and Metabolic Health
(Family Features) Women may
be unaware of their risk for heart disease, kidney disease and metabolic
conditions like diabetes, which drive risk for cardiovascular disease.
Consider these facts women
should know about cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, or CKM health, from
the scientific experts at the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular Disease is the No. 1 Killer of Women
Cardiovascular
disease (CVD), which includes heart disease and stroke, affects nearly 45% of
women ages 20 and older, and 1 in 3 will die from it.
Women
may experience symptoms uncommon in men. Chest pain is the most common heart
attack symptom, but women are more likely than men to experience pain in the
arms, jaw or neck, too.
Early Action is Key
Women
with either Type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease are predicted to reach
elevated risk for CVD 8-9 years earlier than women with neither condition.
Risk Factors are Connected
The
health factors that comprise CKM syndrome are connected. They include high blood
pressure, abnormal cholesterol, being overweight, high blood sugar and low kidney
function.
Pregnancy and Menopause Affect Women’s CKM Health
Pregnancy
complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and gestational
hypertension are risk factors for future chronic kidney disease and
cardiovascular disease. Changes during menopause also influence
long-term heart and metabolic health. This includes declining estrogen levels,
increased body fat around the organs, increased cholesterol levels and
stiffening or weakening of blood vessels. Early menopause (before age 45) is
linked to a higher risk for kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and CVD.
Social Factors Affect Women’s Heart Health
Negative
economic, environmental and psychosocial factors are associated with lower
levels of physical activity and healthy eating and higher levels of conditions
like obesity and diabetes.
Women
should know their risk and advocate for their health by requesting thorough screenings that assess heart,
kidney and metabolic health at regular medical check-ups. Visit heart.org/myCKMhealth to learn more.
Watch video to find out more!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zov79XTeJIc?si=bXH6gXH1Hf3ikg19&controls=0]
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