Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Health Initiative™
Advancing Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Through Collaboration
The Vision: From Science to Practice
Good CKM health becomes possible when science, practice and systems collaborate, driving innovation that puts patients first. CKM Health is grounded in evidence-based science — connecting groundbreaking research to real-world clinical decisions. The initiative translates scientific discovery into practice by:
- Leveraging data to identify opportunities for process improvement
- Implementing proven methods for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Supporting clinicians with peer-to-peer learning
- Including community organizations in care models to improve access to health resources
The CKM Health care model links science, people and places to improve lives.
About the Initiative
The American Heart Association CKM Health Initiative™ is a four-year nationwide effort to close gaps in care, improve access to evidence-based therapies and apply a model of care that addresses the interplay between cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic conditions. Supported by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer and champion sponsor DaVita, the initiative will have national impact with clinical implementation:
- In 15 geographic markets across the U.S.
- Engaging 150 hospitals and care sites
- Reaching more than 265,000 patients
This initiative was developed with both the patient experience and health care professional team in mind. It reflects a new way of thinking — treating cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic conditions collectively, just as patients experience them.
Why Now? Collaboration Is Our Most Powerful Tool for Change
The American Heart Association CKM Health Initiative™ supports the evidence-based definition of CKM syndrome, which calls for a model of care that addresses:
- Rising chronic disease burden
- Persistent health disparities
- Disconnected clinical and community networks
- Fragmented care pathways
Patient-Centered Implementation Focus
The CKM Health Initiative links stakeholders across the health care ecosystem. It connects:
- Science to clinical decisions
- Peers for interdisciplinary care
- Clinics and community resources
- Health care professionals and patients in shared decision-making
- Patients with their support networks
How It Works: A Model Built by Collaboration
A model built for adaptability
CKM care models will integrate predictive analytics, real-time data and adaptive care pathways that coordinate, respond and evolve with patient needs.
Interdisciplinary care is where science and practice connect
Treating the whole patient, within and beyond clinic walls, requires collaboration across primary care, specialties and the community. Proven implementation strategies support risk factor control and improving CKM health.
Health flows through relationships
Strong ties between clinical settings and community resources deliver care where it’s needed most. Addressing non-medical factors such as housing, nutrition and transportation is essential to improving access and outcomes.
Transforming care for longer lives and healthier communities
The ultimate measure of success is improved patient outcomes, longer lives and healthier communities. Every connection we build is in service of:
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced disparities
- Measurable, sustainable impact
Become a CKM Groundbreaker
Leverage CKM Health Resources
Interested? Get Connected.
There are many ways to engage with the CKM Health Initiative by the American Heart Association. Sign up to receive more information.
Media Inquiry: Let's Amplify CKM Health Together
The American Heart Association's Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative is made possible by Founding Sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, Supporting Sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and Champion Sponsor DaVita.