CKM syndrome affects an estimated 90% of US adults

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome is an emerging diagnostic framework that links cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes as interconnected conditions rather than separate ailments. Estimates suggest that approximately 90 percent of adults in the United States meet the criteria for this syndrome, which involves systemic inflammatory risks and cascading effects between organ systems.

The condition is classified into four progressive stages:

Stage 1 involves excess body fat, visceral fat storage, or early insulin resistance, often presenting with few warning signs.

Stage 2 includes metabolic issues such as high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, or early signs of kidney disease.

Stage 3 is characterized by subclinical cardiovascular disease, where damage to the heart or blood vessels occurs without symptoms and can be detected via specialized imaging.

Stage 4 represents advanced cardiovascular disease.