Most U.S. adults have never heard of cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome, even though it is estimated to affect nearly 90% of U.S. adults. CKM syndrome is a newly defined concept that brings together several major, often overlapping conditions—heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. A recent American Heart Association survey found that awareness is low, but interest in learning more is high.
Researchers say almost 9 in 10 adults have at least one risk factor tied to CKM syndrome. These include high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, elevated blood sugar, excess weight, and reduced kidney function. When several of these occur together, the danger is not simply additive: the combined strain can significantly raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure compared with any single condition on its own. In many cases, risk can be reduced—and sometimes meaningfully reversed—through dietary changes, regular physical activity, and appropriate medical care.
Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention, said many people don’t realize how often heart, kidney, and metabolic problems appear at the same time. He added that once people understand the connection, they tend to see why it matters and want more information.
How the Heart, Kidneys, and Metabolism Are Linked
CKM health refers to the way the heart, kidneys, and metabolic system work together. Metabolism is the body’s process for creating, using, and storing energy, which influences weight and blood sugar. These systems depend on each other: if one begins to malfunction, it can place extra stress on the others. Over time, this can create a self-reinforcing cycle that increases the likelihood of developing CKM syndrome.
The American Heart Association has said it plans to publish its first clinical guidelines focused specifically on CKM syndrome in early 2026.
What the Survey Found About Public Awareness
The survey identified several major gaps in knowledge about CKM health:
- Only 12% of U.S. adults said they had heard of CKM health or CKM syndrome.
- 79% agreed it is important to learn more, and 72% said they want additional information.
- Respondents were most interested in how CKM syndrome is treated (72%) and diagnosed (71%).
- 68% either believed conditions should be managed one at a time or were unsure of the best approach.
- 42% believed a healthy heart is unlikely to be affected by other organ systems, or they were uncertain.
Sanchez emphasized that because these systems are connected, care should be coordinated rather than separated into isolated problems. He said the results show a need for clearer patient education and more collaborative treatment.
Helping People Take Action Sooner
As part of its CKM Health Initiative, the American Heart Association is providing educational tools and an online resource hub designed to explain the connection between heart, kidney, and metabolic health. The goal is to encourage earlier action, before problems escalate into heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. The organization is also working with healthcare teams to improve coordination for patients living with multiple chronic conditions.
A Simple Way to Understand CKM Health
One educational explainer breaks the process down into a basic cycle:
- The heart pumps blood throughout the body.
- The metabolic system turns glucose from the bloodstream into energy.
- Metabolic processes create waste that returns to the blood.
- The kidneys filter waste and help balance fluids, which influences blood pressure.
- Blood pressure affects how effectively the heart can pump blood.
Sanchez noted that CKM health is ultimately about the full picture of a person’s health. He recommended regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, and kidney function as practical steps to reduce risk.
How the Survey Was Conducted
The Harris Poll conducted the survey online in the United States in August 2025 on behalf of the American Heart Association. About 4,000 adults ages 18 and older took part. The results were weighted to reflect national population proportions across factors such as age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, region, and other demographics.
The poll’s reported margin of precision was approximately ±2.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with variation across subgroups. As with all surveys, additional error can come from nonresponse, question wording, and statistical adjustments.
