Silent Threat: 90% of Adults at Risk for CKM Syndrome, Few Know It

The Unseen Health Crisis: Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome

An alarming new survey reveals that nearly 90% of American adults are at risk for a complex health condition known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, yet a staggering 9 out of 10 have never even heard of it. This significant knowledge gap highlights a critical public health challenge, as CKM syndrome dramatically increases the risk of serious health complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death.

The findings, published in January 2025 by the American Heart Association (AHA), underscore the urgent need for greater public awareness and improved screening protocols. The survey, conducted in late 2024, polled over 1,000 U.S. adults and found a profound disconnect between the prevalence of risk factors and public understanding of the overarching syndrome.

Understanding CKM Syndrome: A Multifaceted Threat

CKM syndrome is not a single disease but rather a systemic condition characterized by the interconnectedness of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and obesity. The AHA formally defined CKM syndrome in October 2023, categorizing it into five stages based on the severity and number of risk factors present.

The Stages of CKM Syndrome

• Stage 0: No CKM risk factors.
• Stage 1: Presence of excess body fat (abdominal obesity) and/or impaired glucose tolerance. This stage often precedes more severe metabolic issues.
• Stage 2: Metabolic risk factors, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or elevated LDL cholesterol, without significant kidney or cardiovascular disease.
• Stage 3: Early to moderate kidney disease or mild to moderate cardiovascular disease, in addition to metabolic risk factors.
• Stage 4: Advanced kidney disease, heart failure, or established cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Chiadi Ndumele, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine and chair of the AHA’s CKM Syndrome Advisory Group, emphasized the progressive nature of the condition. “CKM syndrome is a progressive disease, and the earlier we identify it, the more we can do to prevent it from progressing to the later stages,” he stated. He also noted that even Stage 1, characterized by excess belly fat, can increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by 50% to 100%.

The Alarming Prevalence of Risk Factors

The survey revealed that nearly 90% of adults exhibit at least one risk factor for CKM syndrome. This includes a substantial portion of the population grappling with conditions such as:

• Obesity: Affecting 42% of U.S. adults.
• High Blood Pressure: Impacting 47% of U.S. adults.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Prevalent in 11% of U.S. adults.

These individual conditions, while serious on their own, become significantly more dangerous when viewed through the lens of CKM syndrome. The interconnectedness means that managing one risk factor can positively impact others, while neglecting one can accelerate the progression of the entire syndrome.

The Knowledge Gap: A Barrier to Prevention

The survey’s most striking finding was the lack of public awareness. Only 10% of respondents had heard of CKM syndrome, despite its widespread prevalence. This knowledge deficit extends across various demographics, though some disparities were noted:

• Age: Adults aged 18 to 34 were slightly more likely to be aware (14%) compared to those 55 and older (8%).
• Race/Ethnicity: White adults showed slightly higher awareness (11%) than Black adults (7%) or Hispanic adults (8%).
• Income: Individuals with higher household incomes (over $100,000) reported greater awareness (16%) than those earning less than $50,000 (6%).

Dr. Ndumele highlighted the critical role of primary care physicians in bridging this gap. “It’s important that we have a conversation with our patients about CKM syndrome,” he urged, emphasizing the need for doctors to explain the interconnectedness of these conditions and the potential for early intervention.

Addressing CKM Syndrome: A Path Forward

Preventing and managing CKM syndrome requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Increased Public Awareness: Educational campaigns are crucial to inform the public about CKM syndrome, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection.
• Regular Screening: Routine check-ups that include blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and kidney function tests are essential for identifying risk factors early.
• Lifestyle Interventions: Adopting healthy habits such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce risk.
• Integrated Care: Healthcare providers across specialties (cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, primary care) need to collaborate to provide comprehensive care for patients with CKM syndrome.

The AHA’s new definition and the ongoing research aim to shift the focus from treating individual diseases to addressing the underlying systemic issues that drive CKM syndrome. This holistic approach offers a greater chance of preventing severe outcomes and improving overall public health.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 90% of U.S. adults are at risk for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome.
• Only 10% of adults have heard of CKM syndrome, indicating a significant awareness gap.
• CKM syndrome is a progressive condition linking heart disease, kidney disease, and metabolic disorders.
• Risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes are highly prevalent.
• Early detection and lifestyle interventions are crucial for preventing progression to severe stages.

Conclusion

The widespread lack of awareness surrounding CKM syndrome presents a formidable challenge to public health. With almost 90% of the adult population facing at least one risk factor, the potential for severe health outcomes like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure is immense. The American Heart Association’s efforts to define and raise awareness about CKM syndrome are a vital step towards addressing this silent epidemic. By fostering greater public understanding, encouraging proactive screening, and promoting integrated healthcare approaches, society can collectively work towards mitigating the devastating impact of this complex and often overlooked condition, ultimately saving lives and improving long-term health outcomes for millions.