Metabolic health refers to the proper functioning and balance of metabolic processes in our bodies. The metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins has a direct impact on the cardiovascular syst Show more
Metabolic health refers to the proper functioning and balance of metabolic processes in our bodies. The metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins has a direct impact on the cardiovascular system. Recent advances in pharmacotherapy have introduced several drugs into clinical practice that can improve cardiometabolic health. Between September 2023 and March 2024, we systematically collected cardiometabolic data from 800 kidney transplant patients (KTPs) during their routine outpatient visits. These included clinical data - office blood pressure, body weight and height, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) - and laboratory data such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lipid profile, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum urate, serum albumin, and proteinuria from spot urine samples. Patients who required treatment adjustment were selected. Deviations from the desired values of individual components of the metabolic syndrome (blood pressure, WC, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose) were observed in 23 - 61.5% of patients. Elevated hs-CRP levels (5 - 10 mg/L), a known cardiovascular risk factor, were observed in 13.5% of patients. Lp(a) levels exceeded the upper normal limit (> 500 mg/L) in 17% of patients. Only a small proportion of patients with moderate to advanced kidney disease - 13% and 23.6%, respectively - had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels within the reference range. Between 23% and 61.5% of patients failed to meet target values for individual components of metabolic health. The largest deviation (61.5%) was observed in WC among women. WC and waist-to-height ratio are two simple and reliable parameters for assessing metabolic status. Show less