This Men’s Health Month, experts are warning that millions of people may be living with early-stage heart, kidney and metabolic conditions without knowing it.

New international research shows that early heart dysfunction often goes undiagnosed, a concern that is especially worrying in South Africa, where hypertension, diabetes and kidney disease are already widespread.

High blood pressure affects nearly one in three South African adults, yet many people are either unaware of their condition or do not have it adequately controlled.

This creates a ripple effect, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and diabetes-related complications.

Men may be especially vulnerable because they are often less likely to seek preventative healthcare or undergo routine screening until symptoms become severe.

What makes this particularly concerning is how these conditions are connected.

Doctors now refer to this cluster as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, also known as CKM syndrome.

The term describes how heart disease, kidney disease and metabolic disorders such as diabetes do not occur in isolation, but often fuel one another.

For example, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, while poorly controlled blood sugar can accelerate both heart and kidney damage.

Growing evidence also points to a link between low testosterone levels and metabolic syndrome, especially in older men.

Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Science shows that men with insulin resistance often tend to have lower overall testosterone levels, while weight gain may also contribute to a drop in testosterone.

Some studies suggest that testosterone replacement therapy could improve certain metabolic markers, including waist circumference and triglyceride levels, a type of fat found in the blood. Both are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Clinicians say delayed diagnosis remains one of the biggest challenges. Many patients only seek care when symptoms become severe, by which time organ damage may already be advanced.

Chronic kidney disease, for instance, often develops silently, with symptoms only appearing in later stages.

“By the time clinicians see patients with complications, they are often managing damage rather than preventing it,” said Ingrid Singels, Associate Director of Scientific Products at Pharma Dynamics.
“That’s why early detection and a broader view of risk factors are so critical.”

Studies have shown that hypertension is a leading contributor to chronic kidney disease, alongside diabetes, with both conditions frequently underdiagnosed or poorly managed.

Socio-economic barriers, limited access to routine screening and low awareness also contribute to delayed diagnosis.

This is where knowing your numbers becomes essential.

Health experts are urging South Africans to regularly check their blood pressure, blood glucose or sugar levels, cholesterol and kidney function through tests such as eGFR or creatinine levels.

These simple tests can provide an early warning of underlying health problems long before symptoms appear.

In South Africa, screening is more accessible than many people realise.

“Blood pressure checks are routinely available at pharmacies, clinics and GP practices,” said Singels.

“Blood glucose and kidney function tests can be done through a simple blood test at public clinics or private laboratories. Many medical schemes also cover annual wellness screenings, while public sector clinics offer these services at low or no cost.”

Singels said doctors are also changing how they approach treatment.

“Rather than focusing on a single issue, like high blood pressure alone, healthcare providers are now targeting the broader cardiometabolic risk profile,” she said.

“This means addressing blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney health and lifestyle factors together to reduce the overall risk of serious complications.”

Detecting these conditions early can greatly reduce the risk of serious complications, while small and consistent lifestyle changes can also have a meaningful impact on long-term health.

Singels said people can reduce their risk by controlling their blood pressure, managing blood sugar levels through a diabetic-friendly diet, reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active.

She also encouraged people to limit alcohol consumption, avoid tobacco, follow prescribed treatment plans consistently, and go for regular screening and monitoring for hypertension and diabetes.

When it comes to heart, kidney and metabolic health, early detection remains one of the most powerful tools for prevention.

For men in particular, routine screening may help uncover silent risks before they lead to serious complications.

“Screening is quick, accessible and potentially lifesaving. It’s one of the most practical steps anyone can take to protect their long-term health,” said Singels.

With non-communicable diseases on the rise in South Africa, awareness and timely action have never been more important.