CKM Syndrome

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a chronic health condition that impacts the heart, kidney, and metabolism (the chemical process through which the body converts food into usable energy, and sustains life)—concurrently (American Kidney Fund, 2025). Simply, sufferers endure symptoms of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders, simultaneously. Currently, almost 90% of American adults are at risk for the disease (Moniuszko, 2025).  Particular conditions place individuals at even higher risk including obesity, atrial fibrillation, stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral artery disease along with heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Ndumele et al., 2023). A wide cross-section of the population struggles with poor cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health; but, those with adverse social determinants of health—those of lower socio-economic status or of marginalized groups—are disproportionately afflicted. There are myriad impacts of poor cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, with the most critical being the heightened correlation with cardiovascular-disease events and cardiovascular mortality (Ndumele et al., 2023).  The most concerning matter may be that many are aware of this emergent, debilitating condition. That changes now. We'll include an overview of the stages of the disease, nourishing dietary choices, formative exercises, and heartening mindfulness approaches can help in managing, preventing, and overcoming the syndrome in this section, and the associated, webpages.

Stage 0: Pre-CKM 

At this stage, there are nascent symptoms of CKM—physiological trends that appear as warning signs—that could develop into CKM. Therefore, the focus is on prevention. preventing CKM. To reverse the trends, eat a large share of fruits, vegetables, whole grains—including oats and brown rice—and lean proteins like fish and beans. These can lower your CKM risk. Additionally, be active for at least 30 minutes daily. Lastly, refrain from unhealthy habits including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Stage 1: Early warning signs 

At this stage, thee may be too much body fat, especially around your abdomen. Blood-sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (there's a high chance you have prediabetes). To prevent progression to Stage 2, observe the prevention steps from Stage 0 and lose no less than 5% of your body weight. To treat Stage 1 CKM, treat and reduce your blood sugar. Have your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked at least every three years.

Stage 2 CKM: Serious health risks emerge 

At this stage, you may have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high lipid levels, and high cholesterol. There are also signs of diminished kidney function. To prevent progression to Stage 3 CKM, observe the prevention steps from Stage 0 and follow the treatment regimen for Stage 1. Plus, get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked annually. Please also consult your healthcare provider to prevent kidney disease from worsening (Seminal's PotenSeed will also be an effective aid). Allopathic treatments can treat Stage 2, particularly those for managing diabetes and lowering cholesterol. Lifestyle changes recommended for Stages 0 and 1 may be just as effective.

Stage 3 CKM: Heart and blood-vessel issues

At this stage, there may be no clear apparently symptoms of heart problems yet, but your heart and blood vessels are exhibiting signs of stress. To prevent progression to Stage 4 of CKM, observe the guidance for Stages 0, 1, and 2. Have your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked at least annually. If there is a family history, talk to your healthcare provider about more frequent evaluations. To treat Stage 3, higher dosages of allopathic treatments for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol may be needed. You can also contact the Seminal Wellness team for recommendations about the best products or custom treatments for your case. Additionally, get tested for arterial conditions—namely, a coronary artery calcium or CAC test—and implement a treatment regimen, accordingly. 

Stage 4 CKM: Symptoms of heart trouble  

Those in Stage 4 feel experience symptoms of heart and cardiovascular disease. They may have had a heart attack or stroke or may be grappling with heart failure. Stage 4 has two substages:  

Stage 4a: without kidney failure  

Stage 4b: with kidney failure  

To treat Stage 4 CKM, personalized treatment for heart disease and the other CKM symptoms are needed. Sufferes, at this stage, should be consulting with their healthcare providers at least every three months. Progress should be measured frequently, so the healthcare team is responsive, quickly implementing regimens that will immediately manage issues as they arise.