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Department of Medicine

UNC Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome Clinic

A Multidisciplinary Approach to a Complex Condition

CKM Syndrome is a health condition that connects problems with the heart, kidneys, and metabolism (how your body uses food for energy). It often includes diseases like heart problems, kidney issues, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. These problems can make each other worse and lead to serious health risks like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.

Our clinic is designed to help people with these overlapping conditions by offering personalized care and treatment.

 

Who Should Be Referred to the CKM Clinic?

We welcome referrals for adult patients who meet the following criteria:

  • Heart problems, such as:
    • A recent heart attack or a stent placed in the heart
    • Heart failure with normal pumping sttrength (called HFpEF)

AND

  • Metabolic and/or kidney issues, such as:
    • Being overweight or obese
    • Having insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
    • Having reduced kidney function

Our clinic is especially helpful for people with complicated or high-risk health problems who need support to get their condition under control and begin the right care.

Our Team-Based Care Model

At the CKM Syndrome Clinic, we bring together a multidisciplinary team of experts, including:

  • Cardiologists    
  • Endocrinologists
  • Nephrologists
  • Pharmacists
  • Registered dietitians
  • Exercise and lifestyle counselors

Doctors, nurses, and other health experts work together as a team to create care plans for each patient. They meet regularly to make sure every patient gets well-organized and complete care.

What to Expect

Our clinic offers a special kind of care where different health experts work together to help you. Here’s what you’ll get:

  • A full check-up that looks at your heart, kidneys, and metabolism (how your body uses energy).
  • Help starting or improving treatments that are proven to work.
  • Advice on healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle changes that fit your needs.
  • Support getting access to newer treatments that may be hard to find or start.
  • A chance to join research studies about CKM Syndrome, if available and a good fit for you.

Once your condition is stable and your treatment is working well, you’ll return to your regular doctor or specialist. We’ll give them a detailed care plan and recommendations to help you keep improving.

How to Refer

Referrals are accepted from providers within and outside the UNC system. Referrals can be sent via EPIC referral to general cardiology or faxed to the cardiology referral line at 984-974-2990. Referrals will be reviewed for appropriateness.

Priority will be given to individuals:

  • Meeting referral criteria
  • Able to attend multidisciplinary team clinic at UNC Eastowne Clinic in Chapel Hill, NC
  • Willing and able to participate in exercise and nutritional counseling

Meet Our Team

Susan C. Gilchrist, MD, MS – Cardiology                                  Anita Yang, PharmD – Pharmacy

Andrea D. Coviello, MD, MSc – Endocrinology                         Elizabeth McNamara, RD – Nutrition

Evan M. Zeitler, MD – Nephrology

Partnering for Better Outcomes

CKM Syndrome requires more than one specialty – it requires a team. At our clinic, we are committed to providing high impact, coordinated care to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for those living with these interrelated conditions.