A newly identified condition, dubbed Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome, affects nearly 80% of young adults, according to a recent study. This syndrome combines cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, impacting major organs and highlighting the need for earlier prevention efforts.

The study, published in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes, analyzed data from 1,283 participants in the Future of Families–Cardiovascular Health Among Young Adults (FF-CHAYA) cohort. Researchers found that approximately 80% of participants met the criteria for Stage 1, 2, or 3 of CKM syndrome. These stages reflect the presence of excess body fat, metabolic risk factors, or early signs of cardiovascular disease. Around 21% of participants showed no identifiable risk factors, and none were in the most advanced Stage 4, which signifies existing cardiovascular conditions like heart failure or stroke.

CKM syndrome is characterized by four stages:

  • Stage 0: No risk factors.
  • Stage 1: Presence of extra body fat.
  • Stage 2: Development of type 2 diabetes, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
  • Stage 3: Early cardiovascular disease or high risk, without symptoms.

Extra or abnormal body fat can release substances that cause inflammation, damage heart, kidney, and arterial tissues, reduce insulin effectiveness, and contribute to kidney damage. These factors are typically associated with older adults, but the study indicates a significant prevalence in younger populations.

Researchers also assessed participants' cardiovascular health using the American Heart Association's (AHA) Life's Essential 8 score. This metric measures eight key health behaviors and factors: healthy eating, sleep, weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, physical activity, and tobacco avoidance. The findings showed that young adults with more advanced CKM syndrome stages also had poorer Life's Essential 8 scores.

Donald Lloyd-Jones, a study author, stated in a press release that the study demonstrates how CKM syndrome staging and Life's Essential 8 are complementary tools for identifying young adults at increased risk for arterial injury and future cardiovascular events. Current AHA guidelines for cardiovascular health were developed for individuals aged 30 to 79 without known cardiovascular disease. In contrast, Life's Essential 8 is designed for monitoring and improving cardiovascular health at any age, particularly in adolescents and young adults.

According to researchers, paying attention to lifestyle choices, including sleep, diet, and physical activity, can help individuals understand their impact on heart, kidney, and metabolic health over time. The study suggests that addressing these factors early is crucial for preventing the progression of CKM syndrome and its associated long-term health risks.