The American Heart Association has initiated a comprehensive health program targeting cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, selecting five geographic regions to implement an innovative care model. The chosen areas include Atlanta, Baton Rouge, San Diego, Washington D.C. and Maryland, and Ohio, with a focus on improving diagnostic and treatment strategies for this complex health condition. CKM syndrome represents a cluster of interconnected health challenges, affecting approximately one-third of U.S. adults. The syndrome encompasses heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity, significantly increasing patients' risks for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
The initiative aims to transform healthcare delivery by promoting a more holistic, collaborative approach to patient care. Dr. Chiadi Ndumele, chair of the initiative's science advisory group, emphasized the importance of moving beyond individual specialist care. "There's a need to move beyond individual specialists to collaborative care models that support more holistic patient care," Ndumele stated. The program will initially impact more than 250,000 patients across 150 healthcare sites. Key components of the initiative include establishing consistent health factor tracking, ensuring evidence-based therapies, connecting patients with community resources, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration.
The approach recognizes that patients often experience multiple health challenges simultaneously and require comprehensive, coordinated care. Supported by sponsors including Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim, and DaVita, the initiative builds upon the American Heart Association's 2023 presidential advisory that first defined CKM syndrome. The program will utilize a learning collaborative approach, with participating organizations regularly meeting to share best practices and address implementation challenges. The initiative represents a significant step toward personalized, integrated healthcare, addressing not just medical conditions but also social determinants of health.
By focusing on collaboration and a person-centered approach, the American Heart Association aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the long-term impact of chronic health conditions. This regional implementation strategy allows for testing and refinement of care models that could potentially be scaled nationally. The selection of diverse geographic areas provides opportunities to address varying community needs and healthcare infrastructure challenges. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration reflects growing recognition that traditional siloed approaches to chronic disease management often fail to address the complex interplay between cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health.
