Figure 1. Conceptual diagram for CKM syndrome

Figure 1. Conceptual diagram for CKM syndrome. The image displays the pathophysiology underlying cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. CKM syndrome most commonly originates from excess adipose tissue, dysfunctional adipose tissue, or both. Multiple pathological processes related to dysfunctional adipose tissue result in insulin resistance and eventual hyperglycemia. Inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and vascular dysfunction are highlighted as central processes leading to the development of metabolic risk factors, to the progression of kidney disease, to the potentiation of heart-kidney interactions, and to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic risk factors and chronic kidney disease further predispose to cardiovascular diseases through multiple direct and indirect pathways. MASLD indicates metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver