A study involving over half a million adults has confirmed that the combination of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic conditions (collectively known as cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome) substantially increases the risk of early death and serious illness. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated care that treats these conditions together rather than in isolation. As chronic diseases continue to rise globally, this research offers timely evidence for healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. The study shows that CKM syndrome, newly defined by the American Heart Association in 2023, is not just a medical concept but a real-world predictor of life expectancy and health outcomes. The findings support a shift toward cross-speciality collaboration in medicine, with particular relevance for aging populations, health insurers, and those shaping chronic disease policy. The study uncovered several significant patterns that clarify how CKM syndrome and its components influence long-term health risks: Researchers from Taipei Medical University and collaborating institutions analyzed medical data from over 515,000 adults in Taiwan, collected between 1996 and 2017. Participants underwent physical exams, laboratory tests, and completed lifestyle questionnaires. The study tracked deaths and disease progression over 25 years, using statistical models to assess the impact of CKM components on mortality. The team used standardized definitions aligned with American Heart Association guidelines, which were adjusted for use in Asian populations. “Our findings show that cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic conditions are not isolated challenges-they are profoundly interconnected. We need a healthcare model that reflects the reality of how these diseases cluster and amplify risk, especially as populations age,” said Prof. Mai-Szu Wu and Prof. Mei-Yi Wu, the corresponding authors of the study. This study, published inPLOS Medicinein June 2025, is among the first large-scale evaluations of CKM syndrome in an Asian population, reinforcing the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Treating high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease in isolation may miss the broader picture-where the intersection of these conditions drives worse health outcomes. Early intervention and integrated disease management could help millions live longer and healthier lives. Min-Kuang Tsai,Juliana Tze-Wah Kao,Chung-Shun Wong,Chia-Te Liao,Wei-Cheng Lo,Kuo-Liong Chien,Chi-Pang Wen, Cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic syndrome and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: A retrospective cohort study, PLOS Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004629