A recent study published in JAMA has shed light on the prevalence of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome among Americans, with findings suggesting that 90% of adults in the U.S. may have this condition. The study, which evaluated health data from a nationally representative sample of 10,762 adults, found that the majority of participants fell into stage 1 or higher of CKM syndrome.
CKM syndrome is a systemic disorder that links heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. The American Heart Association introduced a new staging system in 2023 to better treat and manage these interconnected diseases. The stages range from 0 (no risk factors) to 4 (diagnosed cardiovascular disease), with stage 4 also indicating kidney failure.
The study also revealed that older adults, men, and Black individuals were at a higher risk of developing advanced stages of CKM syndrome. Men were more likely than women to have advanced-stage CKM syndrome, while Black adults were significantly more likely than white adults to fall into the advanced stages.
The data underscore the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in society, highlighting the need for early and frequent screening to prevent the progression to clinical cardiovascular disease. The high prevalence of CKM syndrome emphasizes the importance of addressing health inequities, particularly among high-risk populations.
Moving forward, healthcare professionals are encouraged to screen for CKM syndrome using factors such as body mass index, lifestyle choices, and family history. Investing in preventive medicine, such as nutrition and exercise, may be key to reducing the burden of CKM syndrome and its risk factors, especially among high-risk populations. By addressing these issues early, we can work towards better managing and preventing the development of CKM syndrome in the U.S. population.