According to a recent survey conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), approximately 90% of adults in the United States are unaware of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, despite nearly the same percentage being at risk for this serious health condition. This syndrome, referred to as CKM syndrome, arises from the intricate connections among heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Defined for the first time in October 2023 by the AHA, CKM syndrome illustrates how cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions can exacerbate one another. Traditionally, these health issues were treated as separate entities; however, the AHA emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of their interconnectedness. As outlined by Mass General Brigham, recognizing these links is crucial for effective prevention and management.
To accurately diagnose CKM syndrome, healthcare providers will assess various risk factors and classify individuals into stages ranging from 0 to 4. According to the Cleveland Clinic:
Stage 0: No risk factors present. Stage 1: Presence of excess body fat. Stage 2: Diagnosis of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. Stage 3: Heart disease diagnosed without symptoms or high risk of developing heart disease. Stage 4: Heart disease with symptoms, accompanied by excess body fat and risk factors for diabetes or other metabolic disorders, including possible kidney disease.A study published in JAMA revealed that nearly 90% of U.S. adults possess at least one risk factor for CKM syndrome. These risk factors include:
High blood pressure Abnormal cholesterol levels Elevated blood sugar Excess weight Reduced kidney functionThe AHA indicates that the cumulative effect of these risk factors significantly heightens the likelihood of severe health events such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, compared to the individual risks alone.
Experts, including cardiologist Dr. Nidhi Kumar, stress that modifications in diet and physical activity are essential in preventing CKM syndrome. In a 2023 interview with CBS New York, Dr. Kumar stated that approximately 33% of Americans have three or more risk factors contributing to this syndrome, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the AHA's chief medical officer for prevention, emphasizes the significance of public awareness regarding the coexistence of heart, kidney, and metabolic risk factors. He noted that following the establishment of the CKM connection, nearly three-quarters of those surveyed recognized its importance and expressed a desire to learn more.
The Cleveland Clinic envisions a future where individuals receive holistic treatment for CKM syndrome rather than isolated treatments targeting specific body systems. This approach aims to improve overall health outcomes by addressing the interconnected nature of these conditions.
Conducted by the Harris Poll in August 2025, the AHA survey involved approximately 4,000 U.S. adults and serves as a crucial step towards raising awareness about cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome and its implications for public health.
