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Share on Pinterest The number of people dealing multiple chronic conditions is on the rise in the U.S.Hero Images Inc/Getty ImagesA study has found that adults in the U.S. are increasingly dealing with multiple chronic conditions.These cardiac, renal, and metabolic conditions include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.These conditions are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, and are estimated to account for every 1 in 3 deaths.

A new study found that the number of Americans with multiple cardiac, renal, and metabolic conditions is rising.

Approximately one in four adults have a cardiac, renal, or metabolic conditions condition and nearly 1 in 10 have multiple cardiac, renal, or metabolic conditions, according to the report, which published in JAMA Cardiology on September 27.

The risk of also increased with ageone in three adults 65 and older had a cardiac, renal, or metabolic condition, while almost 1 in 4 had overlapping conditions.

These conditions are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and are estimated to account for every 1 in 3 deaths, according to study authors.

We have medications to treat the underlying mechanisms that contribute to co-existing cardiac, renal, and metabolic (CRM) conditions, however, they arent being prescribed or taken nearly as frequently as they should be.

The new report sheds light on how significantly the incidence of these conditions has grown over the past two decades along with the urgent need to address the situation.

The findings are doubly concerning as they demonstrate both an increase in the prevalence of cardiac, renal, and metabolic disease and concurrent high levels of undertreatment, Dr. Dmitriy Nevelev, Associate Director of Cardiology at Staten Island University Hospital, told Healthline. Nevelev wasnt involved in the study. Chronic conditions have become much more common since 1999

To determine the prevalence of CRM conditions in the U.S., the researchers evaluated health data from January 2015 through March 2020 sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

They compared those trends against NHANES health data collected between 1999 and 2002.

The analysis included 11,607 non-pregnant adults aged 20 and over.

Of the data pooled from 2015 to 2020, 26.3% had at least 1 CRM condition, 8% had at least two, and 1.5% had three CRM conditions.

The most common comorbid conditions were type 2 diabetes plus chronic kidney disease (3.2%), followed by cardiovascular disease plus type 2 diabetes (1.7%) and cardiovascular disease plus chronic kidney disease (1.6%).

The burden was greatest among non-hispanic Black individuals along with people who reported they were unemployed, of low socioeconomic status, or had no high school degree.

Disparities in access to healthcare services can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment of cardiac, renal, and metabolic conditions, leading to worse outcomes, said Dr. David Cutler, board certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. Cutler was not involved in the study.

Of those with three CRM conditions, roughly one-third (30.5%) did not report statin use, only 4.8% used medication common for weight loss and diabetes called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1 agonists.) Additionally only 3% took medication commonly used to treat high blood sugar called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2).

Newer medications like GLP1 agonists for example, semaglutide and SGLT2 inhibitors which have been found to improve these conditions are very expensive and were found to be prescribed at a very low rate in this study, says Cutler.

The proportion of U.S. adults with multiple CRM conditions has grown significantly over the past few decades from 5.3% in 1999 to 8% in 2020.

The proportion of Americans with three CRM conditions also grew, from 0.7% in 1999 to 1.5% in 2020. How to combat the rising prevalence of multiple CRM conditions

Research shows that heart, kidney, and metabolic functions are intertwined and share the same risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, blood sugar that is too high or low, and cholesterol imbalance.

Diet and lack of physical activity can contribute to metabolic disorders and obesity, says Cutler.

Genetics, age, and access to healthcare play a role, too.

In addition, stress can affect health behaviors and contribute to the development of these conditions, he added.

The report says that issues with one body system may lead to dysfunction of others and the development of multiple morbidities.

Fortunately, we can use the common link between these conditions to personalize treatment and prevent their onset, says Nevelev.

There are drugs that target the underlying pathways involved in the development of comorbidities, such a SGLT2 inhibitors, and may help lower the prevalence of multiple conditions, however, they are being prescribed at a low rate.

Several factors are at play, including insurance coverage and the associated insurance authorizations burden, overall cost to the patient, prescriber comfort in using newer medications, fear of medication side effects, and in the case of GLP-1 antagonists availability, says Nevelev.

The rising prevalence of multiple conditions are expected to accelerate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We now have good data demonstrating pandemic-related decreases in physical activity and increases in sedentary activity and weight gain, he said.

The findings highlight the need to improve the situation and promote public health efforts, such as promoting healthy lifestyles, improving access to healthcare, and raising awareness about risk factors and early detection.

We have the tools to lower rates of these diseases. We have to make better use of them, says Cutler. The bottom line:

A new study found that the number of adults in the U.S. with multiple cardiac, renal, and metabolic (CRM) conditions is rising. There are medications to treat the underlying mechanisms that contribute to these co-existing conditions. However, they arent being prescribed or taken as frequently as they should be. The research sheds light on the urgent need to address the situation, ideally through awareness, screening, and improved access to healthcare.

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Huawei Maextro set to challenge Maybach, Rolls-Royce in China with 852 hp

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Huawei Maextro set to challenge Maybach, Rolls-Royce in China with 852 hp

Packing up to 852 hp and a cutting-edge technology stack developed by Huawei, Chinese luxury brand Maextro just revealed its latest entry into the Mercedes-Maybach EQS and Rolls-Royce Spectre segment of ultra-luxe EVs. Meet the all-new Maextro S800.

Despite a somewhat steady stream of new Chinese EVs that defy expectations and threaten to re-set the global order of performance cars, semi trucks, and just about everything in between, brands like Maybach, Rolls-Royce, and even Bentley have seemed relatively “safe,” in the sense that their value is based on something a bit less objective than lap times or kW/mile.

The new Huawei Maextro S800, first shown as a series of renderings late last year, seems to have found some of Henry Rolls’ secret sauce – and they’ve sprinkled it liberally all over the S800.

Huawei sparkles – literally

The shimmering, sparkly, fiber-optic headliner was pioneered by Rolls-Royce over a decade ago, pushing back against the more open and accessible glass-roofs that were becoming popular in the higher end market. Huawei goes a step further, adding similar, Swarovski-like shimmer to not just the headliner – but the door handles, the headlights, projections dancing around the car as you approach it in the street.

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It looks and feels special, in other words. And these cars are all about making their owners feel special. Different.

When Henry Rolls began work on his first US factory in Springfield, Massachusetts way back in 1919, there was supposedly a mantra that management repeated to the workers. It went, “every time you touch the car, you add cost. Make sure you add value.”

I’m not here to argue that Huawei is living up to the same maxim with the Maextro, but I am here to argue that this car’s bespoke, purpose-built platform doesn’t share any parts with a lesser offering from the Mercedes or BMW or Volkswagen lineup in the way that a Maybach, Rolls-Royce, or Bentley does. That may not mean much to you and me, but the people shopping six- and seven-figure cars, it might.

Those well-heeled buyers will get a choice of EREV or “pure” battery electric powertrains good for between 480 and 852 all-electric horsepower. 32 ADAS sensors including both radar and lidar compliment a suite of cameras analyze the road ahead and feed data to Huawei’s ADS road perception system, which is constantly adjusting torque distribution, suspension compression and rebound, and front and rear steering to deliver a tech-driven chauffeur experience that Huawei insists is second to none.

That digital chauffeur is also pretty handy when the weather goes sideways, too. Huawei says the Maextro’s sensor array can help it to increase the detection distance in rain, fog, and dust by 60% compared to the benchmark, while delay was reduced by 40%.

In the event a collision is unavoidable, the car can adjust its stance, seating position, raise the windows, and unlock the central control lock to enable outside help to open the doors. Following the collision, the Maextro S800 switches the redundant power supply and calls for help, as well.

Finally, reports indicate that the Maextro S800 supports the 800V high-voltage system in some trims, suitable for 6C charging, which means it can be energized with up to 390 kW of charging power, taking just 10.5 minutes to charge the 66 kWh battery in the EREV version (523 hp) from 10% to 80%.

The Maextro S800 will enter the Chinese in May this year with a price range of 1 – 1.5 million yuan (about $135–205,000 US).

SOURCE | IMAGES: Maextro, via CarNewsChina.

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Montana’s Bitcoin reserve bill rejected by House lawmakers

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Montana’s Bitcoin reserve bill rejected by House lawmakers

Montana’s House of Representatives voted 41-59 against a bill that could have seen the US state establish a Bitcoin reserve.

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Pope Francis has ‘initial, mild’ kidney problem and still in critical condition, says Vatican

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Pope Francis has 'initial, mild' kidney problem and still in critical condition, says Vatican

The Pope remains in a critical condition and is now showing an “initial, mild” kidney problem – but is “vigilant” and took part in Mass in hospital with those caring for him.

The Vatican statement said Francis hadn’t had any more “respiratory crises” since Saturday evening.

However, a problem with his kidneys has emerged, with blood tests showing “an initial, mild, renal insufficiency, which is currently under control”, according to the update.

The 88-year-old Pope is still having “high-flow oxygen therapy” into his nose, while his hemoglobin value has increased after being given blood transfusions on Saturday.

The Pope has been at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since 14 February and is being treated for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

Sunday evening’s statement said he was “vigilant and well oriented”, but due to the complexity of his case the prognosis is “reserved”.

“During the morning, in the apartment set up on the 10th floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who are taking care of him during these days of hospitalization,” the update added.

On Sunday morning, the Vatican said the Pope had a “tranquil” night and confirmed he would not lead prayers for the second week running.

Instead, Francis, who has been Pope since 2013, prepared words to be read on his behalf at the recitation of the Angelus.

‘I ask you to pray for me’

The Pope’s message said: “I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!

“I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.

“In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children.

“Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”

The message is understood to have been written in the last few days.

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‘The Pope is like family to us’

On Saturday night, the Vatican said the Pope was in a critical condition after a “prolonged respiratory crisis” that required a high flow of oxygen.

It said he’d had blood transfusions after tests revealed thrombocytopenia, which is associated with anaemia.

Millions around the world have been concerned about his increasingly frail health – and his condition has given rise to speculation over a possible resignation.

Faith is never lost but it feels optimism is fading

By Lisa Holland, Sky correspondent in Vatican City

It’s hard to imagine a Sunday in the Vatican City without the Pope. Every week – unless he’s travelling – he is a constant, appearing at the same Vatican windows to deliver his message.

Instead, his written words were distributed by Vatican officials. In his message, the Pope thanked his doctors and people around the world for their good wishes.

But it seems the upbeat message was written before the dramatic downturn in the Pope’s health, which has left him in a critical condition. The business and the events of the Church are continuing in his absence.

Faith is never lost but it feels like optimism is fading and we are living through the last days of Pope Francis.

In St Peter’s Square the sun shone – and a gentle light fell on the ancient stone of the basilica.
The beauty and pageantry of columns of deacons and visitors filing in for a special mass as part of the Catholic Church’s jubilee year sat awkwardly with the prognosis of the Pope’s ailing health.

The visitors and deacons who’d come from around the world to take part, and hoped to see the Pope, were left disappointed. Though they said they felt his presence. “It is what it is,” said one.

They know the Pope is an 88-year-old man who has spent the last few years assisted by a wheelchair and walking stick. Throughout his life he has been dogged by lung issues.

It leaves an almost philosophical mood ahead of what the coming days may bring.

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Doctors said on Friday that he was “not out of danger” and was expected to remain in hospital for at least another week.

They also warned that while he did not have sepsis, there was always a risk the infection could spread in his body.

Sepsis is a complication of an infection that can lead to organ failure and death.

Pope Francis has a history of respiratory illness, having lost part of one of his lungs to pleurisy as a young man. He also had an acute case of pneumonia in 2023.

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