FAQ: Understanding Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Summary
About 90% of U.S. adults have not heard of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a newly defined health condition affecting nearly 90% of adults that includes heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity. However, most people are interested in learning more about this interconnected health condition that significantly increases heart attack, stroke and heart failure risk.
What is CKM syndrome?
CKM syndrome is a newly defined health condition that includes heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity, where these systems are interconnected and when one system functions poorly, it can make the others worse.
How common is CKM syndrome among U.S. adults?
Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for CKM syndrome, and about 90% of adults have not heard of this condition despite its prevalence.
What are the main risk factors for CKM syndrome?
Risk factors include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function.
Why is CKM syndrome important to understand?
The interplay of these risk factors increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure more than any one of them alone, and understanding the connections between these systems is crucial for prevention.
Is CKM syndrome reversible?
For most people, CKM syndrome is reversible with changes to their eating pattern, physical activity and appropriate treatment.
What did the survey reveal about public awareness of CKM syndrome?
The survey found that 12% of U.S. adults had never heard of CKM health or CKM syndrome, but 79% agreed it’s important to understand more about it and 72% are interested in learning more.
What are people most interested in learning about CKM syndrome?
People are most interested in learning about how CKM syndrome is treated (72%) and diagnosed (71%).
When will official guidelines for CKM syndrome be available?
The American Heart Association will issue the first ever guidelines on CKM syndrome in early 2026.
What resources are available to learn more about CKM health?
The American Heart Association’s CKM Health Initiative™ provides a website and educational resources to help people understand how heart, kidney and metabolic health are connected.
How should CKM syndrome be managed according to experts?
The heart, kidney and metabolic systems should be treated in a coordinated way rather than managing individual conditions one at a time, as 68% of U.S. adults incorrectly believe it’s best to manage them separately.
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