Understanding the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome: Insights from Nephrology and Kidney Week 2023

The American Heart Association (AHA) has defined the adverse interplay among cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and metabolic diseases (such as obesity and type 2 diabetes) as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. The AHA advisory provides guidance on staging CKM syndrome, predicting cardiovascular outcomes, and managing and preventing it. The publications also lay the groundwork for a new cardiovascular disease risk calculator that incorporates CKM health. CKM syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death, and addressing it requires a holistic approach, including lifestyle modifications, weight loss, and early use of medications. Screening for risk factors should begin early in life, and social determinants of health should be considered. However, there are still gaps in understanding the mechanisms and optimal management approaches for CKM syndrome, requiring further research and advocacy for improved care integration.