Most Americans are familiar with heart disease, but there’s a newer, lesser-known health concern that experts are raising alarms about: cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. This condition highlights how closely your heart, kidneys, and metabolic system interact—and why taking care of just one part of your body may not be enough.
A recent survey conducted by the American Heart Association found that nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for CKM syndrome. These risk factors include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar, excess body weight, and reduced kidney function. While individually these issues are concerning, CKM syndrome is defined by the coexistence of heart disease, kidney disease, and a metabolic disorder, which together can amplify your risk of serious complications.
The metabolic system is critical in this equation. It’s responsible for producing, using, and storing energy, which directly affects weight management and blood sugar levels. When this system is compromised alongside the heart and kidneys, the consequences can be severe. Problems in one organ system can worsen the others, creating a dangerous cycle. Individuals with CKM syndrome face a higher likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure than those with a single risk factor.
Despite its growing prevalence, awareness of CKM syndrome remains remarkably low. Only 12% of adults had heard of CKM syndrome before the survey. Even more concerning, 42% of respondents either believed that a healthy heart could not be affected by issues in other organs, or they were unsure. This lack of awareness highlights the importance of public education on how interconnected our major organ systems are.
Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention, emphasizes the importance of coordinated care:
“The heart, kidney, and metabolic systems are connected and should be treated in a coordinated way. These results show the need to emphasize those connections and help patients understand the importance of comprehensive health management.”
The American Heart Association plans to release the first clinical guidelines for CKM syndrome in early 2026. These guidelines will provide doctors and healthcare providers with the tools to prevent and treat the syndrome more effectively.
In the meantime, the association stresses that lifestyle changes and early interventions can reverse CKM syndrome. Routine monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, and kidney function is key. Awareness is the first step, followed by practical actions to protect all three systems simultaneously.
The AHA also recommends following its “Essential 8” checklist for overall health. Beyond monitoring the key biomarkers, the checklist emphasizes:
- A healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and non-tropical oils such as olive oil. Limit sugary drinks, alcohol, salt, added sugar, full-fat dairy, processed meats, and tropical oils like palm oil.
- Regular physical activity: Adults should aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, alongside muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week.
- Avoiding tobacco and vaping: Smoking or vaping dramatically increases the risk for CKM-related complications.
- Adequate sleep: Adults should aim for seven to nine hours per night to allow the body to repair and maintain healthy organ function.
Following these guidelines not only supports heart health but also protects kidney function and balances metabolic processes, reducing the risk of CKM syndrome over time.
Dr. Sanchez points out that CKM health is really about overall health:
“It’s a full-circle approach. Regular checks of your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, and kidney function, along with healthy lifestyle choices, can make a significant difference. Taking care of your whole body prevents complications before they start.”
In short, CKM syndrome serves as a wake-up call for Americans: looking after your heart alone is not enough. The intricate interplay between the heart, kidneys, and metabolic system means that neglecting one aspect can have cascading effects. By understanding CKM syndrome and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of severe health events and maintain long-term wellness.