Prevalence and Mortality of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome in China: A Nationwide Population-Based Study (JACC Asia July 2025)-Article; Prevalence and Mortality of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome in China: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Article; Prevalence and Mortality of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome in China: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

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The study investigates the prevalence and mortality risk associated with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome across various stages within the Chinese adult population. It is based on data from the China Hypertension Survey conducted between 2012 and 2015, involving 33,685 participants. The survey aimed to fill the gap of comprehensive data on the CKM burden in China, given the significant overlap and interaction between cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.<br /><br />The results indicate that nearly 80% of adults meet the criteria for CKM syndrome at stage 1 or higher, with a noticeable portion (23.6%) in advanced stages (3 or 4). The stages are defined by the presence and severity of risk factors and conditions: stage 0 indicates no risk factors, stage 1 involves excess fat, stage 2 involves metabolic risks or chronic kidney disease (CKD), stage 3 includes subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), and stage 4 is characterized by clinical CVD. The study found that the prevalence of advanced CKM stages is more prominent among older adults, males, rural dwellers, and those with lower education levels.<br /><br />Mortality analyses reveal that risks for all-cause, CV, and non-CV deaths progressively increase from stages 2 to 4, emphasizing the heightened mortality burden associated with advancing CKM stages. The study's findings raise important public health implications, highlighting the need for integrated and multidisciplinary management strategies to address the widespread and growing challenge of CKM syndrome in China. Reducing the CKM burden requires targeted prevention and early-stage interventions, particularly in vulnerable demographics with higher prevalence rates. This comprehensive approach could significantly mitigate the projected mortality impact associated with CKM-related complications, fostering improved health outcomes on a national scale.

Keywords

cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome

China Hypertension Survey

CKM prevalence

mortality risk

Chinese adult population

obesity

type 2 diabetes

public health implications

integrated management strategies

vulnerable demographics