Global Burden of Key Components of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Among Women of Reproductive Age,...

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome links metabolic, kidney, and cardiovascular disorders, but its burden among women of reproductive age (WRA) remains poorly understood. We quantified the global burden and trends of key CKM-related conditions and high body mass index (BMI)-attributable burden among WRA.

Using global burden of disease data from 1990 to 2021, we quantified six CKM-related disease outcomes and the burden attributable to high BMI. Trends were assessed using estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs), and burden was projected to 2050 using Bayesian age-period-cohort models.

In 2021, diabetes mellitus had the highest incidence rate (273.37 per 100,000 population; 95% uncertainty interval [UI], 204.50-353.52), ischemic heart disease the highest death rate (8.48 per 100,000 population; 95% UI: 7.68-9.35), high BMI the highest attributable disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rate (641.53 per 100,000 population; 95% UI: 283.14-998.09), and chronic kidney disease the highest prevalence rate (6805.22; 95% UI: 5319.94-8575.90). From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized death rate attributable to high BMI increased (EAPC, 0.43%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37%-0.50%), whereas the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDALYR) for stroke declined (-1.93%; 95% CI: -2.01% to -1.86%). Low-middle sociodemographic index regions had the highest ASDALYR in 2021 (2757.18; 95% UI: 2056.45-3505.64). Under historical-trend assumptions, high-BMI-attributable DALYs were projected to remain dominant through 2050 (1051.49; 95% UI: 235.36-1868.06), with the fastest projected increase in lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (3.39%; 95% CI: 3.13%-3.66%).

Among WRA, CKM-related burden was substantial and varied across sociodemographic index quintiles. These findings support intensified adiposity control and context-specific prevention to reduce future burden through 2050.