Akesha Discussion: Hello Everyone From A Global Health Persp

Akesha Discussionhello Everyonefrom A Global Health Perspective Ther

Akesha Discussion: Hello Everyone From a global health perspective, there are several cardiovascular disease risk factors to consider when evaluating Baruti's diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. “Factors that increase the risk of developing chronic cardiovascular disease may be demographic (age and gender), behavioral (lifestyle patterns), or genetic (familial). The presence of any given risk factor is considered to increase the likelihood of developing coronary cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the concurrence of multiple risk factors seriously compounds this probability” (Holtz, 2022, p. 210). In Baruti’s case, he is a farmer from Sudan who is 67 years old.

“Males older than 45 years of age are at increased risk” (Holtz, 2022, p. 210) of developing CVD. As a farmer, Baruti is required to be diligent and physically active. Therefore, it is safe to presume that he has led a healthy, active lifestyle. However, considering his age, the aging process could increase the likelihood of developing CVD.

Baruti has a family history of CVD, with most of his male relatives passing away in their 40s and 50s. “Genetic predisposition is often compounded in its risk severity by dietary intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. These compounding factors are reversible with education regarding sound dietary practices” (Holtz, 2022, p. 211). Baruti lives in Sudan, among a developing population with low literacy rates and limited access to nutritional knowledge.

Since access to healthcare is limited in such places, it is challenging for Baruti to obtain such information, increasing his risk of developing CVD. Sudan continues to face challenges in combating tuberculosis (TB). “Laboratories of about 340 health centers stopped checking TB due to the shortage of materials and staff, in addition to the poor awareness of the Sudanese about the disease, and the lack of support for TB patients from the state” (Sudan: Tuberculosis On the Rise in Sudan, 2021). Baruti has been unwell for a week, dealing with weight loss, a persistent cough, night sweats, and bloody sputum. Because he has active tuberculosis, he can pass on the disease to others.

TB disease could be fatal if it is not treated appropriately. “More than 95% of TB cases and deaths occur in low-income countries, and the disease is closely linked to poverty” (Holtz, 2022, p. 247). An increased risk of contracting TB exists among individuals with compromised immune systems, malnourished, or other underlying illnesses and conditions. Socioeconomic factors influencing Baruti's infectious disease diagnosis must be considered.

As a farmer in a remote location, Baruti may have trouble getting access to nutritious food and clean water, which might increase his risk of contracting TB. The lack of healthcare resources in Sudan could have also driven his diagnosis of TB. Tuberculosis is commonly associated with malnutrition and a weakened immune system, increasing CVD risk. As a result, Baruti faces a serious threat from lack of access to healthcare.

Paper For Above instruction

The intersection of infectious disease and chronic conditions forms a complex challenge in global health, especially in resource-limited settings. In Baruti’s case, multiple risk factors—including age, genetics, socioeconomic status, and infectious diseases—interact to elevate his risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Addressing his health comprehensively requires understanding these intertwined factors from a global health perspective and proposing strategies that are culturally appropriate, feasible, and sustainable.

Aging and Genetic Factors Influence Cardiovascular Risk

Aging is a significant risk factor for CVD, as physiological changes in the cardiovascular system—such as arterial stiffening, endothelial dysfunction, and reduced regenerative capacity—occur with advancing age. The American Heart Association notes that the prevalence of CVD increases sharply after 60 years, with incidences rising from 40% among 40-59-year-olds to over 86% in those over 80 (Rodgers et al., 2019). For Baruti, aged 67, the natural aging process predisposes him to hypertension, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Genetics further contribute to CVD susceptibility. Family histories indicating early-hearted deaths, as in Baruti’s case, suggest a hereditary predisposition. Variations in genes regulating lipid metabolism, blood pressure, and inflammatory responses influence individual risk, with some gene variants increasing vulnerability (Hajar, 2020). In many low-income countries, genetic predisposition interacts with environmental factors, often amplifying bodily stressors.

Socioeconomic and Healthcare Access Issues

Socioeconomic status profoundly impacts cardiovascular health outcomes (Holtz, 2022). Baruti’s residence in Sudan, a developing country with low literacy rates and limited healthcare infrastructure, presents substantial barriers to early diagnosis, preventative care, and effective management. Poverty often restricts access to healthy foods, safe water, and health services, exacerbating risk factors such as poor nutrition, hypertension, and unmanaged diabetes or hyperlipidemia.

Limited health literacy impairs awareness about signs and symptoms of CVD and its risk factors, delaying treatment seeking. It also affects understanding of lifestyle modifications necessary, such as diet, physical activity, and smoking cessation. In Baruti’s context, these barriers increase his likelihood of unmanaged hypertension or hyperlipidemia, compounding his cardiovascular risk.

Infectious Disease and CVD: The Role of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern in Sudan, with active TB often linked to poverty, overcrowding, and malnutrition (Sudan: Tuberculosis On the Rise in Sudan, 2021). TB infection causes chronic inflammation, which contributes to endothelial dysfunction, a critical pathway in atherogenesis (Holtz, 2022). Active TB compromises immune function and nutrition, further increasing the risk of CVD.

Baruti’s active TB also presents a bidirectional relationship: CVD medicines may interact with TB therapies, complicating treatment, while TB-induced systemic inflammation accelerates atherosclerosis. Furthermore, TB-related weight loss and metabolic derangements worsen cardiovascular health.

Impact of Malnutrition and Food Security

In remote farming communities like where Baruti lives, food insecurity and malnutrition are frequent. Inadequate access to nutritious foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats fosters dyslipidemia and hypertension—both risk factors for CVD. Malnutrition impairs immune function, heightening susceptibility to infections like TB, and also hampers recovery from existing illnesses, forming a vicious cycle.

Ensuring food security and nutritional education is a crucial intervention point. Local agriculture-based programs, such as community gardens or nutritional supplementation, could improve dietary quality, thus reducing CVD risk and enhancing immune resilience against TB.

Community-Based Strategies for Addressing Cardiovascular and Infectious Diseases

Effective intervention requires multifaceted, community-centered approaches. Screening programs for hypertension, diabetes, and TB are essential in resource-limited settings to facilitate early detection. Such programs should incorporate mobile clinics, community health workers, and culturally tailored education campaigns.

Strengthening healthcare infrastructure is vital. International partnerships and investment can improve laboratory capacity, supply chain management for essential medicines, and training of local health personnel. Telehealth solutions can also bridge gaps, offering remote guidance and follow-up.

Educational initiatives should target awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles, TB prevention, and early health-seeking behaviors. Empowering local leaders to advocate for health promotion can foster community trust and participation.

Global and Policy Implications

Global health strategies must address the social determinants of health, recognizing that poverty alleviation, improved literacy, and infrastructure development directly impact disease outcomes. Strengthening health systems in developing countries through international aid, policy reforms, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) aligns with the overarching aim of reducing inequities.

In addition to focusing on infectious diseases like TB, integrating cardiovascular risk reduction into primary health care can have long-term benefits. For example, implementing cost-effective interventions such as salt reduction, promoting physical activity, and tobacco control measures can substantially lower CVD burdens.

Conclusion

Baruti’s health challenges exemplify the complex interplay of aging, genetics, infectious diseases, and socioeconomic factors influencing health outcomes in low-resource settings. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies rooted in global health principles: promoting equity, strengthening health systems, and fostering community engagement. By integrating infectious disease control with chronic disease prevention, leveraging local resources, and advocating for policy support, it is possible to improve health outcomes for individuals like Baruti. Ensuring access to health education, preventive services, and quality care remains paramount in advancing global health equity.

References

• Holtz, C. (2022). Global Health Care: Issues and Policies (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Rodgers, J. L., Jones, J., Bolleddu, S. I., Vanthenapalli, S., Rodgers, L. E., Shah, K., Karia, K., & Panguluri, S. K. (2019). Cardiovascular risks associated with gender and aging. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease.
• Hajar, R. (2020). Genetics in cardiovascular disease. Heart Views: The Official Journal of the Gulf Heart Association.
• Sudan: Tuberculosis On the Rise in Sudan. (2021). AllAfrica Global Media.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Global Tuberculosis Report 2021.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Cardiovascular Diseases Fact Sheet.
• World Bank. (2022). Health and Poverty in Sudan.
• Bloom, D. E., et al. (2015). The Global Economic Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases. World Economic Review.
• United Nations Development Programme. (2019). Human Development Report.
• World Health Organization. (2019). Leverage Point: Addressing Social Determinants of Health.