The American Heart Association has announced the expansion of its Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative to 15 regions across the United States, targeting the interconnected conditions that significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. This initiative, supported by leading pharmaceutical companies, aims to enroll 150 healthcare sites, potentially improving the care for more than 250,000 patients. The program focuses on increasing awareness, screening, and treatment for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a combination of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Selected regions include Atlanta, Baton Rouge, San Diego, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Ohio, and newly added areas such as Bronx and Brooklyn, Connecticut, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Louisville, Miami, Nebraska, North Carolina, San Antonio, and Tulsa. These locations were chosen based on disease prevalence and community characteristics, aiming to address the public health emergency declared due to rising rates of CKM syndrome risk factors and low levels of CKM health among U.S. adults.
Dr. Chiadi Ndumele, chair of the initiative's advisory group, emphasizes the opportunity to improve CKM health through collaborative care models and evidence-based therapies. The initiative also provides guidance for healthcare professionals to streamline care and connect patients with community resources, addressing health-related social needs. More information on CKM health and resources for healthcare organizations can be found at heart.org/myCKMhealth.
