The American Heart Association (AHA) is launching a new health initiative in five regions of the U.S. The goal is to improve care for people with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. CKM syndrome refers to a combination of health issues, including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. These conditions increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
The AHA’s initiative aims to raise awareness, promote screening, and enhance teamwork among healthcare professionals. Approximately one in three adults in the U.S. has at least three components of CKM syndrome. These components include high blood pressure, high triglycerides, abnormal blood sugar levels, impaired kidney function, and excess body weight.
The selected regions for the initiative are:
- Atlanta metro
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana metro
- San Diego metro
- Washington, D.C., and Maryland
- Ohio, including the Cincinnati metro area and parts of Kentucky
These regions were chosen based on the prevalence of the syndrome, healthcare systems, and community characteristics. People with CKM syndrome often have multiple risk factors simultaneously. These factors include high blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar levels, and reduced kidney function. Experts emphasize that collaborative care models are necessary so that medical professionals can address these conditions together.
Dr. Chiadi Ndumele from Johns Hopkins University leads the initiative’s science advisory group.
The Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative will expand to 15 regions nationwide. It will begin in 150 healthcare sites and is expected to impact over 250,000 patients. The initiative will follow a clinical framework outlined in the AHA’s 2023 advisory that first defined CKM syndrome.
Key components of the initiative include:
- Tracking health factors related to CKM health
- Providing evidence-based therapies for individuals with CKM syndrome
- Connecting patients with community resources for social needs like transportation or prescription assistance
- Enhancing collaboration among healthcare professionals
Collaboration is essential because patient care is often fragmented. The initiative will also focus on screening for social needs since CKM syndrome is more prevalent among individuals facing adverse social conditions.
According to Dr. Ndumele, a person-centered approach is crucial. The collaborative care model, referred to as the CKM model, will involve primary care doctors, specialists related to CKM syndrome, patient navigators, social workers, and community health workers. Participating healthcare sites will work together to establish goals, implement the CKM model, address challenges, and share effective practices.
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