New CKM Syndrome Affects 90% of U.S. Adults, American Heart Association Survey Reveals Major Awareness Gap

Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, a newly defined health condition that significantly increases cardiovascular risks, according to a new survey from the American Heart Association. The condition, known as CKM syndrome, affects heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity simultaneously, creating a cycle that puts health at serious risk when one system functions poorly.

The survey conducted by The Harris Poll in August 2025 revealed that only 12% of U.S. adults had heard of CKM health or CKM syndrome, despite its widespread prevalence. This awareness gap presents significant implications for public health and preventive care strategies across Texas and the nation. The interplay of these risk factors increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure more than any one of them alone, making coordinated management essential.

Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the American Heart Association's chief medical officer for prevention, emphasized the importance of understanding these connections. The heart, kidney and metabolic systems are connected and should be treated in a coordinated way, according to medical experts. These results reveal the need to emphasize those connections and help patients understand the importance of collaborative care.

The survey findings showed that 79% of respondents agreed that it is important to understand more about CKM health, while 72% expressed interest in learning more. People are most interested in learning about how CKM syndrome is treated and diagnosed. The American Heart Association is addressing this educational need through their CKM Health Initiative website, providing resources to help people understand how heart, kidney and metabolic health are connected.

Significant misconceptions about managing interconnected health conditions were also uncovered. Sixty-eight percent of U.S. adults incorrectly believe it's best to manage individual conditions one at a time or weren't sure of the best management approach. Additionally, 42% believed that a healthy heart would not likely be damaged by other organ systems or weren't sure about this connection.

For most people, CKM syndrome is reversible with changes to eating patterns, physical activity and appropriate treatment. The Association is working with healthcare teams across the country to improve collaboration among health care professionals who care for patients living with multiple health conditions. The Association will issue the first ever guidelines on CKM syndrome in early 2026.

The research was conducted online among 4,007 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, with data weighted to reflect population proportions. The margin of error for the survey was ±2.0 percentage points, providing statistically significant results that highlight the urgent need for increased public education about this widespread health condition.