CKM syndrome
Context:
Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic (CKM) syndrome has emerged as a global health threat due to the complex lifestyle of the present generations.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Health)
Dimensions of the Article
- What is CKM?
- Need to Address CKM Syndrome
- Challenges
- Way forward
What is CKM?
- CKM syndrome is a health issue where cardiovascular, kidney, obesity and Type 2 diabetes collectively harm the body. People often have more than one of these diseases at a time.
- It often begins with a gradual weight gain and slowly escalates into obesity, impacting the heart, kidneys, liver, and blood vessels.
- It is often linked to lifestyle factors and economic shifts due to globalisation.
- Symptoms: CKM syndrome symptoms may include
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Syncope (passing out).
- Swelling in your legs, feet, hands, or ankles.
- Pain in your legs while walking.
- Tiredness.
- Loss of appetite or an increase in appetite.
- The need to pee more often.
- Dry skin.
- Sleep apnoea.
- Gout.
- Complications of CKM syndrome include:
- Heart failure.
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).
- Heart attack.
- Stroke.
Need to Address CKM Syndrome
- The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) report highlights that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), like CKM, now account for 69% of premature deaths in Tamil Nadu.
- Furthermore, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are rising, with insufficient awareness and control, especially in low-income communities.
- Unchecked, CKM could impact workforce productivity and strain healthcare resources, intensifying economic and social challenges.
Challenges
- Financial Burden: The cost of annual insurance for a household is costly for a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) like India to cater for treatments like angioplasty and dialysis.
- Fragmented Care: Patients with CKM often see multiple specialists, leading to repeated appointments, drug interactions, and wage losses due to time spent in treatment.
- Diet and Lifestyle: High-glycaemic diets (like rice) through the PDS and sedentary lifestyles increase obesity and related risks, while the stresses of long work hours drive people towards unhealthy eating habits.
- Access to Care: In rural and economically disadvantaged areas, lack of preventive screenings and poor awareness further fuel CKM’s impact.
Way forward:
- The healthcare system of India should inculcate having an integrated healthcare system where expertise of cardiologists, nephrologists, diabetologists, and dietitians provides cohesive treatment plans under one roof.
- The government should intervene in modifying PDS offerings from rice to millets.
- At the community level, awareness should be created to consume protein-rich foods that can lower CKM risks. Most importantly, regular screening should also be made for the people.
Conclusion:
CKM syndrome represents a significant challenge due to its complex interplay of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. Early detection and tailored interventions are essential to mitigate the high risks associated with CKM syndrome.
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