WASHINGTON, D.C. — While recent data show a decline in heart attacks and an overall improvement in life expectancy, a new report from the American Heart Association (AHA) reveals a sobering reality: nearly 90% of American adults carry at least one risk factor associated with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. This emerging framework links heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity, underscoring the complex interplay of conditions that threaten public health.
According to the AHA’s latest findings, published in early 2026, the United States has made strides in reducing deaths from heart attacks and some strokes compared to 2023. However, the prevalence of overlapping metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors remains alarmingly high. Experts warn that if these risks are not addressed, they could fuel a surge in future cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist, described the report as a “mixed message” — highlighting progress in some areas while sounding alarms in others. Notably, stroke deaths have increased among younger adults and seniors, contrasting with the overall decline in heart attack fatalities. This trend points to shifting patterns of cardiovascular health that require urgent attention.
CKM syndrome, a term newly emphasized by the AHA, captures the interconnected nature of conditions that often coexist. The syndrome’s components include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and kidney dysfunction, all of which contribute to cardiovascular risk. The study estimates that nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one of these risk factors, signaling a widespread silent epidemic.
Experts recommend lifestyle changes such as improved nutrition, increased physical activity, and weight management to mitigate these risks. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeremy London advocates for the “80/20” rule of eating whole foods as a practical approach to maintaining heart health. The AHA’s findings reinforce the need for public health initiatives to focus not only on treating heart attacks but also on preventing the underlying conditions that lead to them.
The report’s findings align with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which also track cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S. The CDC emphasizes the importance of managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Moreover, the rise in stroke deaths among younger adults is particularly concerning. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, strokes can have devastating long-term effects, and early intervention is critical. The increase suggests that younger populations may be facing new or intensified risk factors, including lifestyle and environmental contributors.
Addressing CKM syndrome requires coordinated efforts across healthcare systems and communities. The American Heart Association’s dedicated page on CKM syndrome outlines strategies for risk assessment and management, emphasizing the importance of integrated care.
Public health officials urge Americans to undergo regular health screenings to detect early signs of CKM components. The National Kidney Disease Education Program also highlights the connection between kidney health and cardiovascular disease, encouraging proactive monitoring.
As the nation grapples with this silent but pervasive health threat, the AHA’s report serves as a call to action. While fewer Americans are dying from heart attacks today, the widespread presence of CKM syndrome risk factors and the alarming rise in stroke deaths among younger adults underscore the need for vigilance, prevention, and comprehensive care to safeguard the future of heart health in the United States.
