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The Heart-Body Connection: Understanding CKM Health

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Nearly 9 in 10 U.S. adults have at least one component of CKM syndrome, a condition characterized by the interplay of heart health, kidney health, and metabolic health. This complex relationship, also known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health (CKM health), can lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Despite its importance, only 12% of U.S. adults have heard of CKM health or CKM syndrome, but 72% are interested in learning more. The American Heart Association is working to raise awareness of CKM health through its CKM Health Initiative, which provides resources and collaborations with health care teams to improve patient outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nearly 9 in 10 U.S. adults (87%) have at least one component of CKM syndrome, including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or other lipids, high blood glucose, excess weight, and reduced kidney function.
  • The close relationship between heart health, kidney health, and metabolic health can lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
  • Only 12% of U.S. adults have heard of CKM health or CKM syndrome.
  • However, 72% of U.S. adults are interested in learning more about CKM health.
  • Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association's chief medical officer for prevention, emphasizes the importance of understanding CKM health: "What we want people to know is it's really common to have heart disease, diabetes, or metabolic disease and reduced kidney function at the same time."
  • The American Heart Association's CKM Health Initiative provides resources and collaborations with health care teams to improve patient outcomes.
  • The initiative is supported by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, as well as supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita.

Statistics:

  • 42% of U.S. adults do not understand how the heart can be impacted by other organ systems.
  • The risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure is increased by the interplay of risk factors, including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or other lipids, high blood glucose, excess weight, and reduced kidney function.
  • 79% of U.S. adults agree that understanding more about CKM health is important.
  • 72% of U.S. adults are interested in learning more about CKM health.
  • CKM syndrome is characterized by the interplay of heart health, kidney health, and metabolic health, making it a critical area of focus for improving patient outcomes.

Sources:

  • "Journal of the American Medical Association"
  • The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association
  • American Heart Association's CKM Health Initiative
  • Heart.org/myCKMhealth
  • Shutterstock

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