Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health
The whole body is connected and works together like a team. Your heart, kidneys, and the way the body creates, stores and uses energy (metabolic health) have different jobs, but together they affect your overall health. Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, or CKM health, is a new concept that explains how your heart, kidneys, and energy systems are interconnected and work together.
CKM health is about your overall health and taking action early to prevent a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. The American Heart Association is leading the way in helping people understand and manage their overall health by focusing on the whole person, not just one disease at a time.
Knowing about the body’s interconnectivity means people can:
- spot health problems earlier
- take steps to stay healthier longer
- make smart choices about food, exercise, and checkups
- avoid more serious problems later, like heart attacks, stroke or kidney failure
Your Health Is Connected: Four Different Systems. One Healthy You. (PDF)
Understand the Connection
CKM Syndrome
CKM syndrome stands for Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic syndrome. It’s a health condition that includes heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity.
These might seem like separate issues, but they’re actually closely connected. When one system is affected, it can make the others worse — creating a cycle that puts your health at serious risk.
Why It Matters
When these systems (heart, kidneys and metabolism) aren’t working properly, it can lead to a multi-system disorder — meaning more than one part of the body is not working properly. This can cause serious conditions like:
- Heart failure
- Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- Heart attacks and clogged arteries
- Stroke
- Poor circulation in the legs and feet (peripheral artery disease)
The Long-Term Impact
If not managed, CKM syndrome can lead to:
- Worsening health
- Kidney failure
- Disability
- And even early death
The earlier CKM syndrome is recognized, the more can be done to prevent or slow down the damage. Lifestyle changes, medications and coordinated care from your healthcare team can make a real difference.
Myth vs. Fact: CKM Syndrome
Take Action Now
Schedule a checkup of your heart, kidney and metabolic health
Make one small change
When you make a healthy change it affects all areas of your health. You can make small changes today for better overall health tomorrow.
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