The American Heart Association has expanded its Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative to 15 regions across the United States, targeting the interconnected conditions that contribute to heart disease and stroke. This initiative, supported by leading pharmaceutical companies, aims to enroll 150 healthcare sites, significantly impacting the care of more than 250,000 patients. The selected regions, including cities like Miami, Las Vegas, and San Antonio, were chosen based on disease prevalence and community characteristics.
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome combines the health effects of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity, posing a high risk for heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. With only 10% of U.S. adults in excellent CKM health, the initiative addresses a public health emergency by promoting awareness, screening, and treatment. Healthcare organizations participating will be recognized as 'CKM Health Groundbreakers,' adopting collaborative care models to streamline patient care and connect with community resources.
Dr. Chiadi Ndumele, chair of the initiative's advisory group, emphasizes the opportunity to improve CKM health through evidence-based therapies and holistic patient care. The initiative also provides a free CKM Health Implementation Guide for healthcare organizations, aiming to establish a model of care that addresses these conditions collectively.
