90% of American adults are at risk of heart disease

Cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CKM) syndrome is affecting an overwhelming majority of American adults, according to a new study led by Dr. Muthiah Vaduganathan of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

This report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reveals that nine out of ten adults in the United States are in various stages of this syndrome, which can lead to heart and kidney disease if not properly controlled.

The research team examined data from the US National Health Survey from 2011 to 2020 to determine the prevalence and progression of CKM syndrome in the population. This syndrome is divided into four distinct stages, beginning with excessive accumulation of body fat and progressing to the development of metabolic risk factors, kidney disease, and, in its final stage, diagnosed heart disease.

The study’s findings are alarming. Only 10.6% of adults surveyed showed no signs of CKM syndrome, indicating that the vast majority of the American adult population is at risk of developing serious illnesses. More than 80% of adults between 20 and 44 years old already show signs of cardiac and kidney risk factors, underscoring the need for early and preventive interventions.

The progression of CKM syndrome with age is particularly concerning. More than half of people over the age of 65 are in advanced stages of the syndrome, highlighting the importance of early detection and management of these risk factors throughout a person’s life course.

Additionally, the study found significant racial disparities in the prevalence of CKM syndrome. Black Americans were 38% more likely to suffer from this syndrome compared to whites, suggesting that social and economic inequities may play an important role in population cardiovascular and kidney health.

Most concerning is that rates of CKM syndrome have not shown significant improvements over the nine-year study period. This indicates a lack of progress in the prevention and treatment of these risk factors, which could have serious public health consequences for years to come if not effectively addressed.

Health experts are urging immediate action to address CKM syndrome and its associated risk factors. This includes initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, as well as medical interventions to control blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose.

Additionally, broader efforts are needed to address social and economic disparities that may contribute to the development of CKM syndrome, such as unequal access to health care and community resources for healthy living.

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