Cardiovascular-Kidney Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome Brochure
We all know that our hearts are vital to life. But, the kidneys are equally vital. Among their many functions, they control our heart rate and blood pressure and remove fluid waste from our bodies. The heart and the kidneys work closely together. When one is damaged or begins to fail, the other often follows.
People who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) face a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure accelerates both kidney decline and heart damage (heart attacks and strokes). Approximately 15% of adults in the U.S. (about 37 million people) have CKD. Many don't know it.
Cardiovascular-Kidney Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome results when obesity, Type 2 diabetes, CKD, and cardiovascular disease interact and worsen one another. If left untreated, CKM Syndrome can lead to severe complications, including heart and kidney failure.
So what can you do about it? The Forum's Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) has created a CKM Syndrome guide for patients and care partners, along with a list of resources to help you navigate this serious condition.
The Heart-Kidney Connection: A Patient & Care Partner Guide (PDF)
Additional Resources
A Patient's Guide to CKM Syndrome
2026 CKM Syndrome Guideline Overview (VIDEO)
CKM Health & Understanding Weight Education Updates
PREVENT Equations Quickstart Guide
American Heart Association Patient and Caregiver Support and Services Program or call 1-800-242-8721
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Donate nowWhat's new on the Forum website?
KPAC Releases CKM Syndrome Brochure
Read It Today!
The Forum's Kidney Patient Advisory Council has released a patient and care partner guide on Cardiovascular-Kidney Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome. Download the brochure and find additional resources here.
Forum KPAC Hosts Summer Webinar Series
Recordings Now Available!
For the second year in a row, the Forum's Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) hosted a summer webinar series for patients. Recordings and slides are now available for download. Learn more here.
Forum Launches Dialysis Leadership Webinar Series
Register Today!
Join the Forum of ESRD Networks for a series of 1-hour webinars on a variety of topics relevant to nephrology fellows and medical directors. Click here to learn more and regsiter. All webinars will be recorded and made available for on-demand viewing.
Forum Releases New SHEP Initiatives
Check out these best practices!
The Forum is pleased to announce the release of TWO new Sharing Highly Effective Practices (SHEP): an emergency app for patients and a patient-led infection control audit project. Read more and submit your own SHEP here.
50 Years of the Forum!
50 Years of the Forum!
Forum members have published an article in CJASN providing an overview of the Forum's role in the ESRD Network Program.
