Cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic syndrome may shorten your life expectancy

A study involving more than half a million adults has confirmed that the combination of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic conditions, collectively known as cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome, substantially increases the risk of early death and serious illness. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated care that treats these conditions together rather than in isolation.

As chronic diseases continue to rise globally, this research offers timely evidence for health care providers, policymakers, and the public. The study shows that CKM syndrome, newly defined by the American Heart Association in 2023, is not just a medical concept but a real-world predictor of life expectancy and health outcomes.

The findings support a shift toward cross-specialty collaboration in medicine, with particular relevance for aging populations, health insurers, and those shaping chronic disease policy.

The study, published in PLOS Medicine, uncovered several significant patterns that clarify how CKM syndrome and its components influence long-term health risks:

• Widespread impact: Over 70% of the study’s participants met the criteria for CKM syndrome. Among adults aged 55 and older, nearly 90% were affected.
• Increased risk of death: People with CKM syndrome had a 33% higher risk of death from any cause and were nearly three times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease.
• Kidney disease link: Those with CKM syndrome were over ten times more likely to develop end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), requiring dialysis or transplantation.
• Each added condition matters: Every additional CKM component (such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, or high triglyceride) increased the risk of all-cause death by 22% and cardiovascular death by 37%.
• Shorter life expectancy: Each additional component reduced life expectancy by approximately 2.5 years for men and 3 years for women. Those with all five components could lose up to 13–16 years of life.

Researchers from Taipei Medical University and collaborating institutions analyzed medical data from more than 515,000 adults in Taiwan, collected between 1996 and 2017. Participants underwent physical exams, laboratory tests, and completed lifestyle questionnaires. The study tracked deaths and disease progression over 25 years, using statistical models to assess the impact of CKM components on mortality. The team used standardized definitions aligned with American Heart Association guidelines, which were adjusted for use in Asian populations.

“Our findings show that cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic conditions are not isolated challenges—they are profoundly interconnected. We need a health care model that reflects the reality of how these diseases cluster and amplify risk, especially as populations age,” said Prof. Mai-Szu Wu and Prof. Mei-Yi Wu, the corresponding authors of the study.

This study is among the first large-scale evaluations of CKM syndrome in an Asian population, reinforcing the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Treating high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease in isolation may miss the broader picture—where the intersection of these conditions drives worse health outcomes. Early intervention and integrated disease management could help millions live longer and healthier lives.

Provided by
Taipei Medical University