A new survey from the American Heart Association reveals that approximately 9 in 10 U.S. adults have not heard of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, despite the condition affecting nearly 90% of the adult population. CKM syndrome represents a newly defined health condition that encompasses heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity, with the interplay of these risk factors substantially increasing the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
The survey conducted by The Harris Poll in August 2025 among 4,007 U.S. adults found that 79% of respondents agreed it was important to understand more about CKM health, while 72% expressed interest in learning more about the condition. People showed the most interest in learning about treatment options (72%) and diagnosis methods (71%) for CKM syndrome.
Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for CKM syndrome, including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood glucose, excess weight, and reduced kidney function. According to research published in JAMA, the combination of these risk factors poses greater danger than any single factor alone. The American Heart Association emphasizes that for most individuals, CKM syndrome is reversible through dietary changes, increased physical activity, and appropriate medical treatment.
Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the American Heart Association's chief medical officer for prevention, stated that the heart, kidney, and metabolic systems are interconnected and should be treated in a coordinated manner. The survey revealed significant knowledge gaps, with 68% of U.S. adults incorrectly believing it's best to manage individual conditions separately or being unsure of the optimal management approach. Additionally, 42% believed that a healthy heart would not likely be damaged by other organ systems or were uncertain about this connection.
The American Heart Association is addressing this awareness gap through its CKM Health Initiative, providing educational resources at heart.org/CKMtools and working with healthcare teams nationwide to improve collaboration among professionals treating patients with multiple health conditions. The Association plans to issue the first comprehensive guidelines on CKM syndrome in early 2026.
CKM health encompasses the interconnected functioning of the heart, kidneys, and metabolic system, which is responsible for creating, using, and storing energy while affecting weight and blood glucose levels. When one system functions poorly, it can negatively impact the others, creating a cycle that significantly increases health risks. The Association explains that maintaining CKM health requires regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, and kidney function.
The survey results highlight a critical public health challenge where a condition affecting the vast majority of American adults remains largely unknown, despite its serious implications for cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing. The findings underscore the need for increased public education about the interconnected nature of these health systems and the importance of coordinated care approaches.
