Prevalence of Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome in Lithuanian Adults: Insights from a Nationwide Real-World Study Using Electronic Health Records

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome reflects the interconnection between metabolic risk factors, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite increasing awareness, population-based data on CKM syndrome are limited, particularly in Europe. This study assessed the prevalence of CKM syndrome and the use of renal and cardiac biomarkers in Lithuania. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: Health records of 923,329 adults aged ≥40 years from the national Electronic Health Services and Cooperation Infrastructure Information System were analyzed. CKM-associated conditions (prediabetes/type 2 diabetes, obesity, CKD) and cardiovascular outcomes (atherosclerotic CVD, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation) were identified. CKM stages were defined as stage 0 (no CKM conditions), stages 1-3 (at least one CKM condition), and stage 4 (at least one CVD diagnosis). The use of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing was evaluated. <i>Results</i>: Overall, 34.8% of adults met criteria for stage 4 CKM syndrome, and 23.4% were classified as stage 1-3. Obesity (21.2%) and type 2 diabetes (17.2%) were the most common CKM-associated conditions. Heart failure (25.4%) and atrial fibrillation (14.0%) were the most common cardiovascular outcomes, with ≥2 CVD diagnoses present in 15.4% of patients. Among stage 1-3 patients, eGFR, ACR, and NT-proBNP were measured in 53.5%, 9.0%, and 4.9%, respectively. <i>Conclusions</i>: A third of Lithuanian adults aged ≥40 years had stage 4 CKM syndrome. The underuse of biomarker testing highlights missed opportunities for early detection. Broader implementation of biomarker testing and integrated care is warranted to slow progression of CKM syndrome and reduce cardiovascular risk.

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Journal
Medicina
Published
2025-11-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122106
Primary Topic
Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes
Type
article
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article

Prevalence of Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome in Lithuanian Adults: Insights from a Nationwide Real-World Study Using Electronic Health Records

Džilda Veličkienė, Indrė Čeponienė, Inga Arūnė Bumblytė, Marius Miglinas et al.
Medicina
Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes
article

Prevalence of Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome in Lithuanian Adults: Insights from a Nationwide Real-World Study Using Electronic Health Records

Džilda Veličkienė, Indrė Čeponienė, Inga Arūnė Bumblytė, Marius Miglinas, Ingrida Grabauskytė, Gediminas Urbonas, Lina Gatelytė, Aušra Degutytė, Živilė Steponkutė
article en

Abstract

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome reflects the interconnection between metabolic risk factors, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite increasing awareness, population-based data on CKM syndrome are limited, particularly in Europe. This study assessed the prevalence of CKM syndrome and the use of renal and cardiac biomarkers in Lithuania. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: Health records of 923,329 adults aged ≥40 years from the national Electronic Health Services and Cooperation Infrastructure Information System were analyzed. CKM-associated conditions (prediabetes/type 2 diabetes, obesity, CKD) and cardiovascular outcomes (atherosclerotic CVD, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation) were identified. CKM stages were defined as stage 0 (no CKM conditions), stages 1-3 (at least one CKM condition), and stage 4 (at least one CVD diagnosis). The use of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing was evaluated. <i>Results</i>: Overall, 34.8% of adults met criteria for stage 4 CKM syndrome, and 23.4% were classified as stage 1-3. Obesity (21.2%) and type 2 diabetes (17.2%) were the most common CKM-associated conditions. Heart failure (25.4%) and atrial fibrillation (14.0%) were the most common cardiovascular outcomes, with ≥2 CVD diagnoses present in 15.4% of patients. Among stage 1-3 patients, eGFR, ACR, and NT-proBNP were measured in 53.5%, 9.0%, and 4.9%, respectively. <i>Conclusions</i>: A third of Lithuanian adults aged ≥40 years had stage 4 CKM syndrome. The underuse of biomarker testing highlights missed opportunities for early detection. Broader implementation of biomarker testing and integrated care is warranted to slow progression of CKM syndrome and reduce cardiovascular risk.

MedicinaVol. 61(12)
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LT), Vilnius University (LT), International School of Law and Business (LT), Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos (LT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 56%
Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes
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