Introduction: The Healthy People 2030 Objective
Several methods exist for reducing the prevalence of hypertension among those with CKD-stage 6. The first step in controlling blood pressure is supporting healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and a nutritious diet low in salt. Controlling the blood pressure levels of individuals with CKD is a procedure that can only be accomplished with careful drug management. Third, it is crucial to constantly check in with patients and provide them with follow-up care so treatment can be adjusted as needed. Teaching patients about the importance of maintaining normal blood pressure has increased patient engagement and adherence to medication, which is a win-win for everyone involved.
Problems Addressed in the Selected Objective
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more likely to acquire cardiovascular disease, which is the primary cause of death for people with CKD. One reason for this is that high blood pressure, a common symptom of chronic kidney disease (CKD), can cause damage to blood vessels and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In addition, chronic kidney disease has been linked to mineral and hormone imbalances in the body, which can play a role in the development of cardiovascular illness. In addition, those with chronic kidney disease are frequently at risk for additional illnesses that raise the probability of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels (Pazianas & Miller, 2021). Since the kidneys are responsible for regulating blood pressure, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and producing red blood cells, the cardiovascular system is particularly susceptible to damage when ESRD is present.
The elevated blood pressure characteristic of CKD is frequently not adequately managed in these populations since obtaining adequate medical therapy for the condition can be challenging. Even though research has shown that the vast majority of people who have CKD are unaware that they have the disease, one study estimated that as many as 80 percent of patients who have CKD have not been diagnosed (Kovesdy, 2022). Research has revealed that the vast majority of people who have CKD are unaware that they have the disease.
Patients may not adhere to the treatment programs that have been prescribed to them, which may result in difficulties in maintaining blood pressure management. Patients may be resistant to making lifestyle changes that can help them control their blood pressure, such as adopting a healthier diet or increasing the amount of physical exercise they perform (Kovesdy, 2022). These adjustments can be beneficial.
The Epidemiology, Incidence, Prevalence, and Cost-Burden of the Issue
Globally, chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects about 10% of the population, or more than 800 million people. Indicative of the pervasiveness and worsening character of the problem, the widespread incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) serves as a solid global indicator (Chu et al., 2021). CKD affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and its prevalence is expected to grow along with the aging of the population and the rising rates of diabetes and hypertension (Kovesdy, 2022). The prevalence of CKD worldwide highlights the need for effective ways to prevent, diagnose, and manage the disease to decrease its burden on populations currently affected and the healthcare system as a whole.
Adults, persons of color, women, and those with hypertension and diabetes mellitus are disproportionately represented among the U.S. population with chronic kidney disease (CKD). About one in seven people in the country are afflicted with the illness. This supports the theory that some groups are genetically predisposed to CKD. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is more common in adults than children because of the age-related decline in kidney function (Kovesdy, 2022). CKD risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are more common among people of specific racial and ethnic backgrounds, making them more prone to developing the condition (Nguyen-Thi et al., 2021). Factors such as this pose a threat. The prevalence of risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity is higher in postmenopausal women, making CKD more common in this demographic than in men.
A substantial financial burden is associated with CKD, with estimates placing the annual direct expenses at more than $49 billion. This underscores the necessity of developing effective and cost-efficient solutions to treat CKD and lessen the load it places on the medical system (Nguyen-Thi et al., 2021). Patients with chronic kidney disease have a one-third chance of developing end-stage renal failure, which can cause significant problems and a decline in quality of life.
Specific Problem
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and worldwide, particularly among people with severe disease. According to the National Renal Foundation, cardiovascular disease is the cause of death in fifty percent of chronic kidney disease patients (CKD). This demonstrates the significance of the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease and the importance of early illness detection and therapy to reduce the disease’s impact on affected populations (Kovesdy, 2022). Chronic renal disease has been shown to considerably influence the quality of life because it can present a number of physical, emotional, and financial obstacles on several fronts.
Objective Intent
Developing procedures for the early diagnosis of people with CKD is vital to guarantee that these patients receive the medication they need to manage their ailment. In order to reach this objective, it is crucial to educate medical professionals and the general people about the symptoms of chronic kidney disease and to provide them with access to accurate diagnostic testing (CKD) (Nelms et al., 2022). Increased awareness and education regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD) can delay or prevent the onset of the disease, especially among at-risk groups, including racial/ethnic minorities and persons of lower socioeconomic status. Incorporating community-wide education programs, health awareness campaigns, and cross-sector partnerships can help achieve this goal (Nelms et al., 2022). Kidney transplantation is an effective treatment option for patients with end-stage renal illness. Strategies that increase the number of kidneys available for transplant or the survival rate of transplant patients are needed to improve the quality of life for people with CKD.
Legislators on CKD Prevention and Treatment Policy
Legislators play a crucial role in the fight against CKD by formulating public health policies with the twin aims of prevention and treatment. The news release (Cardin, 2022) states that Senators Cardin and Blunt have been two of the nation’s most visible leaders on healthcare policy related to CKD. Senator Cardin has been a vocal advocate for people with CKD, fighting for their right to receive the treatment they need. In addition, he has pushed for more funding for initiatives that educate the public, help people avoid developing CKD, and conduct scientific studies into the disease (Cardin, 2022). Senator Blunt has also worked hard on this issue, advocating for policies that increase patients’ access to CKD medicines and improve their care. He has stressed the importance of a multifaceted strategy to address the problems experienced by people with CKD, such as expanding access to care, fostering medical research, and increasing public education and awareness (Cardin, 2022). More specifically, he has stressed the importance of taking a holistic approach to helping those with CKD.
Improvements in Clinical Practice and Promote Best Practices
The first alteration is a greater emphasis on kidney disease education within Medicare. It comprises collecting more data on kidney disease and making treatments available to Medicare participants. Patients will have a more solid foundation for understanding their options and subsequently deciding on a course of treatment. The second modification ensures that those receiving ESRD benefits have access to Medicare gap coverage (Nelms et al., 2022). This requires guaranteeing that all Medicare patients diagnosed with ESRD have access to necessary treatments, regardless of their financial situation.
There may be less financial strain on ESRD patients, which could mean better access to care. Lastly, the viability of the dialysis infrastructure itself is improved upon in the third and final upgrade. This guarantees that professionals working in the field of dialysis have the means at their disposal to provide first-rate care to people with CKD (Nelms et al., 2022). Ultimately, it is up to patients to make more informed decisions and be more forthcoming with their information.
Inter-Professional Teams
Addressing CKD efficiently requires a collaborative strategy utilizing interprofessional teams. If these teams operate well together, they can ensure that patients receive timely diagnoses, appropriate therapies, and ongoing care. When it comes to CKD, primary care physicians play a pivotal role in the early diagnosis and management of the condition. They can screen patients, monitor any changes in kidney function, and refer patients to specialists as needed. In terms of medical care, nephrologists are the only people who can adequately diagnose and treat renal diseases like CKD (Nelms et al., 2022). Patients can be treated with therapies like dialysis or kidney transplants, and they can be monitored to ensure they get the care they need. A dietitian can help patients with CKD manage their nutritional needs by creating a personalized eating plan and keeping tabs on their progress toward meeting their goals. Patients with chronic renal disease are best managed with the help of dietitians.
Cardiologists are medical experts who specialize in heart illness. They are the ones who are typically tasked with diagnosing and treating people who suffer from hypertension. In addition to assisting patients in managing their CKD and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, health educators must provide patients with knowledge regarding how to manage these conditions and control their blood pressure.
Conclusion
A multifactorial relationship exists between CKD and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and early death. Factors that contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease include but are not limited to, hypertension, mineral and hormone imbalances, and a history of smoking.
The high prevalence, high incidence, and high economic cost of CKD all point to the importance of finding effective ways to treat the condition and lessen its impact on patients and healthcare providers. Collaboration-based approaches that include multidisciplinary teams are essential for tackling the challenge of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as this is the only way to ensure that patients receive timely diagnosis, effective therapies, and ongoing care.
References
“Cardin, Blunt Continue.” (2022). Web.
Chu, L., Fuller, M., Jervis, K., Ciaccia, A., & Abitbol, A. (2021). Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: The Canadian registry of chronic kidney disease in diabetes outcomes (CREDO) study. Clinical Therapeutics, 43(9), 1558-1573. Web.
Kovesdy, C. P. (2022). Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease: An update 2022. Kidney International Supplements, 12(1), 7-11. Web.
Nelms, C. L., Shroff, R., Boyer, O., & Topaloglu, R. (2022). Managing the nutritional requirements of the pediatric end-stage kidney disease graduate. Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease, 29(3), 283-291. Web.
Nguyen-Thi, H., Le-Phuoc, T., Tri Phat, N., Truong Van, D., Le-Thi, T., Le, N. D., Tran-Thi, H., & Pham Dinh, L. (2021). The economic burden of chronic kidney disease in Vietnam. Health Services Insights, 14, 117863292110360. Web.
Pazianas, M., & Miller, P. D. (2021). Osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD): Back to basics. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 78(4), 582-589. Web.