US prevalence and impact of CKM syndrome

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. 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, ranging from Stage 1 (excess body fat or early insulin resistance) to Stage 4 (advanced cardiovascular disease).

Recent research published in ‘Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes’ indicates that nearly 80 percent of a US-based cohort of 1,283 young adults exhibit signs of CKM syndrome. The study observed subclinical damage to the carotid arteries in these participants, noting that arterial thickness markers in some cases were more consistent with a 33-year-old despite an average participant age of 23. Researchers identified poor diet and low physical activity as significant contributors to the risk, particularly among urban populations from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. The study noted that higher stages of the syndrome correlate with increased carotid artery injury.

In addition to CKM-related risks, medical specialists warn that sudden cardiac arrest and strokes can affect seemingly healthy young people. Potential triggers for sudden events in individuals without obvious symptoms include congenital heart anomalies, undiagnosed aneurysms, sleep deprivation, and intense physical stress.