The inflammatory storm: Targeting residual risk in combined ASCVD and CKD

The study by Nanna et al. in this issue leverages the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to quantify the burden of systemic inflammation among adults with coexisting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The authors demonstrate that 59.3% of individuals with ASCVD and CKD, representing approximately 2% of the general US adult population, have evidence of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein >2 mg/L). We discuss the implications of these findings in the context of current guideline-directed medical therapy for CKD. We also review the potential role of specific anti-inflammatory agents, including emerging therapies. These findings strengthen the rationale for inflammation-focused risk stratification and support systemic inflammation as a central therapeutic target at the intersection of cardiovascular and kidney disease.