Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, as defined by the American Heart Association, encompasses interrelated metabolic, kidney, and cardiovascular disorders that mutually reinforce one another along a shared risk continuum. Its five-stage model, supported by the PREVENT risk equations, guides stage-specific prevention and treatment. Albuminuria, alongside eGFR, plays a central role not only as a marker of kidney damage but as an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Visceral adiposity and insulin resistance promote cardiovascular and kidney injury through interconnected inflammatory, oxidative, hemodynamic, and neurohormonal pathways.
