15 U.S. Regions Selected for Initiative to Combat Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome

The American Heart Association's Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative™ is set to benefit people in 15 regions across the U.S., targeting the interconnected conditions that contribute to heart disease and stroke. This expansion from the initial five regions to now include ten more, supported by sponsors like Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, aims to enroll 150 healthcare sites, impacting over a quarter-million patients. The initiative focuses on increasing awareness, screening, and treatment for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a combination of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity risks.

Selected regions, including Atlanta metro, Baton Rouge metro, and San Diego metro among others, were chosen based on disease prevalence and community characteristics. The initiative seeks to address the public health emergency declared due to rising rates of CKM syndrome risk factors and low levels of CKM health among U.S. adults. Dr. Chiadi Ndumele, chair of the initiative's advisory group, emphasizes the opportunity to improve CKM health through collaborative care models and evidence-based therapies.

Healthcare organizations participating in the initiative will be recognized as 'CKM Health Groundbreakers,' with resources like the CKM Health Implementation Guide available to support their efforts. The initiative underscores the importance of holistic patient care, addressing health-related social needs and fostering collaboration among specialists.