“`html
NEW YORK, August 26, 2025
Table of Contents
Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one factor linked to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a recently defined condition that connects heart, kidney, and metabolic health.
- Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome affects roughly 90% of adults in the U.S.
- Only 12% of adults have even *heard* of CKM syndrome, despite widespread prevalence.
- The condition links heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity, increasing risk far beyond any single condition.
- Lifestyle changes and medical treatment can frequently enough reverse CKM syndrome.
You’re probably familiar with the individual risks – high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar. But what if they’re all connected, quietly fueling each other? A new survey reveals that most Americans are unaware of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a possibly serious condition affecting nearly 90% of the adult population. But here’s the good news: understanding the link is the first step toward better health.
The Interconnectedness of Heart, Kidneys, and Metabolism
CKM health isn’t about treating separate organs; it’s about recognizing how the heart, kidneys, and metabolic system work together. The metabolic system, responsible for energy creation and storage, directly impacts weight and blood glucose levels. When one system falters, it puts added stress
on the others, creating a vicious cycle. “We’ve historically siloed these conditions, treating them as separate entities,” explained Dr. Sandra Sanchez, a nephrologist and chair of the American Heart Association’s CKM Task Force. “But we now understand that they’re deeply intertwined. A problem in one area often leads to problems in others.”
The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, found that while 88% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for CKM syndrome – such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or kidney disease – only 12% have even heard of the term “CKM syndrome.”
“This lack of awareness is concerning,” Sanchez said. “People aren’t recognizing the collective risk they face when these conditions coexist. It’s like having multiple warning lights flashing on your car’s dashboard, but only focusing on one.”
Why Collaborative Care Matters
The American Heart Association believes that a shift toward collaborative care is crucial.This means healthcare professionals working together – cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, and primary care physicians – to create a extensive treatment plan for patients with CKM syndrome.
“When we treat these conditions in isolation, we’re missing the bigger picture,” Sanchez said. “Collaborative care allows us to address the root causes of the problem and provide more effective, personalized treatment.”
FAHA. “These results reveal the need to emphasize those connections and help patients understand the importance of collaborative care.”
taking Action: Early Detection and Collaborative Care
The American Heart Association is launching an initiative to educate the public about CKM health, offering resources to help people lower their risk of heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. They are also working with healthcare teams to improve collaboration among professionals treating patients with multiple chronic conditions.
A new educational video explains the connection between heart health and metabolism using clear visuals:
- The heart pumps blood to the body.
- The metabolic system turns glucose (sugar) from the blood into energy.
- The process of metabolism creates waste, which enters the blood.
- The kidneys filter waste from the blood and balance fluids, helping regulate blood pressure.
- Blood pressure impacts how effectively the heart pumps blood.
“CKM health is about your overall health,” Sanchez said.”It’s a full circle. You can take care of your overall health with regular checks of your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar and kidney function.”
How the Survey Was Conducted
The Harris Poll conducted the survey in August 2025 on behalf of the American Heart Association
