Advancing cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic medicine : a narrative review of insights and innovations for the future

Abstract

Cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic (CKM) conditions are interrelated, significantly contributing to morbidity, mortality and healthcare burden. Despite therapeutic advances, traditional disease-specific approaches often fail to address their complex interplay. Key therapeutic agents-including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide RAs, sodium glucose co-transporter inhibitors and the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) finerenone-offer multi-organ benefits. Emerging therapies, such as triple receptor agonists and second-generation MRAs, target new pathways further expanding treatment options for CKM conditions. A holistic CKM management approach must address and recognise that conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity are part of the CKM spectrum. Frailty assessment is also important alongside CKM conditions, warranting comprehensive geriatric assessment and deprescribing when appropriate. Multidisciplinary care-including lifestyle interventions, pathway redesign, pharmacological advances and novel technologies-is essential for improving outcomes. As the CKM landscape evolves, future strategies should prioritise early intervention, personalised treatment and addressing unmet needs in high-risk populations. This review advocates for an integrated CKM framework, exploring treatment strategies, emerging therapies and technological innovations. It also examines the role of artificial intelligence and digital health tools in risk stratification, early diagnosis and long-term condition management, alongside ethical and regulatory considerations.