Association between HIV and blood pressure in adults and role of body weight as a mediator: Cross-sectional study in Uganda

The association of menopause with cardiometabolic disease risk factors in women living with and without HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: Results from the AWI-Gen 1 study

BACKGROUND

Menopause and HIV are associated with cardiometabolic disease. In sub-Saharan Africa there is a growing population of midlife women living with HIV and a high prevalence of cardiometabolic disease.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine whether menopause and HIV were associated with cardiometabolic disease risk factors in a population of midlife sub-Saharan African women.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional comparison of cardiometabolic disease risk factors between 944 premenopausal women (733 living without HIV and 211 living with HIV) and 1135 postmenopausal women (932 living without HIV and 203 living with HIV) in sub-Saharan Africa.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anthropometric and cardiometabolic variables were compared between pre- and postmenopausal women living without HIV and between pre- and postmenopausal women living with HIV and between women living without HIV and women living with HIV.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HIV was 19.9 %. Age at menopause was lower in women living with HIV than in women living without HIV (48.1 ± 5.1 vs 50.9 ± 4.7 years, p < 0.001). Women living with HIV and receiving efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy had a lower body mass index (BMI), hip circumference, blood pressure and carotid intima media thickness but higher triglyceride levels and insulin resistance than women living without HIV. Antiretroviral therapy-naïve women living with HIV had lower HDL-cholesterol than women living without HIV. In this study, menopause was associated with higher LDL-C levels, regardless of HIV status.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of obesity and related cardiometabolic disease risk factors in these midlife sub-Saharan African women is not related to the menopausal transition. The association of cardiometabolic disease risk factors with HIV and antiretroviral therapy is complex and requires further investigation in longitudinal studies, as does the negative association of age at final menstrual period with HIV.

Hypertension among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of hypertension in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus, and Embase databases to identify studies published from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021. We used a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of hypertension and mean SBP/DBP level on a sex-specific basis. We included 48 studies reporting data on a pooled sample of 193,843 people living with HIV (PLW-HIV) in SSA. The pooled mean SBP/DBP level was 120 (95% CI 113-128)/77 (95%CI 72-82) mmHg, while the overall pooled prevalence of hypertension was 21.9% (95% CI 19.9-23.9%). Further meta-regression analyses suggested that the prevalence of hypertension was 1.33 times greater in males, 1.23 times greater in individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 1.45 times greater in those individuals with a CD4-count ≥ 200. This meta-analysis of the contemporary pattern of BP levels among PLW-HIV in SSA, suggests that around one in five of such individuals also have hypertension. Given the further context of greater access to ART and subsequently greater longevity, study findings support calls to integrate cardiovascular management into routine HIV care.

No Evidence for an Association of HIV and Antiviral Treatment With Changes in Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score in the Ndlovu Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in high-income countries. The authors studied the longitudinal association between HIV and ART and nonlaboratory Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in a middle-income country.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This longitudinal analysis of the NCS (Ndlovu Cohort Study), South Africa used baseline to 36-month follow-up data. Demographics, HIV, ART status, and cardiometabolic measures were obtained. FRS was used as a CVD risk measure. Through linear mixed models, FRS trends over time and the association with HIV were studied. Analysis included 1136 participants, with 609 (54%) having HIV, and 495 (81%) taking ART. At baseline, 9.8% of participants had a high FRS. People living with HIV (PLHIV) had a 3.2% lower FRS than HIV-negative participants (P<0.001). FRS increased similarly for both groups over time. Other factors associated with FRS were secondary and higher education (ß value: -0.075, P<0.001; ß value: -0.084, P<0.001) and alcohol consumption (ß value: 0.011, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CVD risk increased for all participants over 36 months, suggesting classic risk factors rather than HIV status or ART to be drivers of CVD risk. People living with HIV had a significantly lower FRS than their HIV-negative counterparts, possibly related to HIV itself or a more frequent interaction with healthcare services. No association of HIV and ART with changes in FRS over 36 months was observed, suggesting the need for research using clinical endpoints to elucidate the effects of HIV and ART on CVD risk. Population-based prevention of CVD risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa is warranted, regardless of HIV status.

HIV and hypertension epidemiology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the burden, pathogenesis, and recent recommendations for treating hypertension among people living with HIV (PLWH). This review is relevant because of the increase in the prevalence of HIV as a chronic disease and the intersection of the increasing prevalence of hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

The contribution of HIV to the pathogenesis of hypertension is complex and still incompletely understood. Evidence suggests that chronic inflammation from HIV, antiretroviral treatment (ART), and comorbidities such as renal disease and insulin resistance contribute to developing hypertension in PLWH. Treatment is not distinct from guidelines for HIV-noninfected people. Nonpharmacological guidelines such as decreasing blood pressure by promoting a healthy lifestyle emphasizing exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation are still recommended in the literature. The pharmacological management of hypertension in PLWH is similar, but special attention must be given to specific drugs with potential interaction with ART regimens. Further research is needed to investigate the pathways and effects of hypertension on HIV.

SUMMARY

There are different pathways to the pathogenesis of hypertension in PLWH. Clinicians should take it into consideration to provide more precise management of hypertension in PLWH. Further research into the subject is still required.

Prevalence and incidence of hypertension in a heavily treatment-experienced cohort of people living with HIV in Uganda

INTRODUCTION

The effect of long-term exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART) on hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa remains unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of hypertension in people living with HIV (PLWH) with more than 10 years of ART in Uganda.

METHODS

The analysis was performed within a cohort of adult PLWH with more than 10 years of ART at an HIV clinic in Kampala, Uganda. Participants were eligible for this analysis if they had ≥2 follow-up visits. Hypertension was defined as two consecutive systolic blood pressure (SBP) measures greater than 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) greater than 90 mmHg, and/or documented diagnosis and/or the initiation of antihypertensives. We determined the proportion of PLWH with hypertension at baseline and used multivariable logistic regression to determine the factors associated with prevalent hypertension. To determine the incidence of hypertension, follow-up began from the cohort baseline date and was censored at the last clinic visit or date of the event, whichever occurred earlier. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to determine the adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) of hypertension according to demographic, ART, and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Of the 1000 ALT participants, 970 (97%) had ≥2 follow-up visits, and 237 (24.4%) had hypertension at baseline. The odds of prevalent hypertension were 1.18 for every 5-year increase in age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.18, 95% CI 1.10-1.34) and were higher among males (aOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.20-2.34), participants with diabetes mellitus (aOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.10-4.01), obesity (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.08-3.60), high cholesterol (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.16-2.01), and those with prior exposure to stavudine (aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.35-3.52), or nevirapine (aOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.25-3.01). Of the 733 participants without hypertension at baseline, 116 (15.83%) developed hypertension during 4671.3 person-years of follow-up (incidence rate 24.8 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI 20.7-29.8). The factors associated with incident hypertension were obesity (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 1.80, 95% CI 1.40-2.81), older age (aIRR 1.12 per 5-year increase in age, 95% CI 1.10,1.25), and renal insufficiency (aIRR1.80, 95% CI 1.40-2.81).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence and incidence of hypertension were high in this heavily treated PLWH cohort. Therefore, with increasing ART coverage, HIV programs in SSA should strengthen the screening for hypertension in heavily treated PLWH.

Associations between HIV status and self-reported hypertension in a high HIV prevalence sub-Saharan African population: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study examined whether HIV status and antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure were associated with self-reported hypertension in Zimbabwe.

DESIGN

Study data were taken from a cross-sectional, general population survey, which included HIV testing (July 2018-December 2019).

SETTING

The data were collected in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe.

PARTICIPANTS

9780 people aged 15 years and above were included.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Self-reported hypertension was the outcome measure. This was defined as reporting a previous diagnosis of hypertension by a doctor or nurse. After weighting of survey responses by age and sex using household census data, χ² tests and logistic regression were used to explore whether HIV status and ART exposure were associated with self-reported hypertension.

RESULTS

The weighted prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 13.6% (95% CI 12.9% to 14.2%) and the weighted prevalence of HIV was 11.1% (10.4% to 11.7%). In univariable analyses, there was no evidence of a difference in the weighted prevalence of self-reported hypertension between people living with HIV (PLHIV) and HIV-negative people (14.1%, 11.9% to 16.3% vs 13.3%, 12.6% to 14.0%; p=0.503) or between ART-exposed and ART-naive PLHIV (14.8%, 12.0% to 17.7% vs 12.8%, 9.1% to 16.4%,p=0.388). Adjusting for socio-demographic variables in logistic regression did not alter this finding (ORs:HIV status:0.88, 0.70 to 1.10, p=0.261; ART exposure:0.83, 0.53 to 1.30, p=0.411).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one in seven PLHIV self-reported having hypertension, highlighting an important burden of disease. However, no associations were found between HIV status or ART exposure and self-reported hypertension, suggesting that it will be valuable to focus on managing other risk factors for hypertension in this population. These findings should be fully accounted for as Zimbabwe reorients its health system towards non-communicable disease control and management.

Prognostic values of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular events in South African health promotion

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are increasing at an alarming rate among the South African population. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of modifiable CVD risk factors for fatal and non-fatal events to inform cardiovascular health promotion practices in the South African public health system.

Methods

Data was collected from individuals participating in the South African leg of a multi-national prospective cohort study. Binary logistic regression was applied to estimate odds of total, non-fatal and fatal cardiovascular events.

Results

Binary logistic regression analyses identified age as a predictor of non-fatal and fatal CV events, with ORs of 1.87 to 3.21, respectively. Hypertension increased the odd of suffering a non-fatal CV event by almost two and a half (OR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.26, 4.85). Moreover, being physically active reduced the odd of non-fatal CVD events by 38% (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.46, 0.83 for 1 Standard deviation increase of the weighted physical activity index score (WPA)). On the one hand, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) was associated with a higher fatal cardiovascular disease risk OR = 2.45 (95% CI = 1.36, 4.42) for a standard deviation increase.

Conclusions

Elevated blood pressure, GGT, and physical activity have significant prognostic values for fatal or non-fatal CV events. These findings emphasise the importance of highlighting hypertension and physical activity when planning cardiovascular health education and intervention programmes for this population, with attention to the monitoring of GGT.

Blood Pressure and Body Composition During First Year of Antiretroviral Therapy in People With HIV Compared With HIV-Uninfected Community Controls

BACKGROUND

Body composition changes may explain the rapid increase in blood pressure (BP) in people with HIV (PWH) during the first year of antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a cohort of PWH and HIV-uninfected adults from the same communities in Mwanza, Tanzania. Blood pressure (BP, mm Hg) and body composition data were collected at baseline and 12-month follow-up. We used multivariable linear regression to compare BP changes in PWH and HIV-uninfected adults, and the relationship between changes in body composition and changes in BP.

RESULTS

BP data were available for 640 PWH and 299 HIV-uninfected adults. Sixty-four percent were women and the mean age was 38 years. In PWH, systolic BP (SBP) increased (114-118) whereas SBP decreased (125-123) in HIV-uninfected participants. Fat mass increased by 1.6 kg on average in PWH and was strongly associated with the change in BP (P < 0.001). The greater increase in SBP in PWH was partly explained by the lower baseline SBP but PWH still experienced a 2.2 (95% CI: 0.3-4.2) greater increase in SBP after adjustment. Weight gain partially mediated the relationship between HIV and SBP increase in PWH; a 1-kg increase in fat mass accounted for 0.8 (95% CI: 0.6-1.1) increase in SBP.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight and fat mass increase rapidly in PWH during the first 12 months of antiretroviral therapy and contribute to a rapid increase in SBP. Interventions to prevent excessive increase in fat mass are needed for PWH.

Association between HIV and Prevalent Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in South Africa: Analysis of a Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Survey

OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden is increasing among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa. It is unclear whether this reflects absolute increase in HIV-related CVD risk or unmasking by improved survival. Therefore, we examined whether HIV is associated with adverse cardiometabolic profiles among South African adults.

METHODS

We analyzed a nationally representative dataset (n=6420), estimating the weighted prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and 10-year predicted risk of incident fatal/nonfatal CVD (if aged ≥40 years). Associations between HIV and cardiometabolic indices were assessed using log-binomial regression models adjusted for sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

HIV population prevalence was 18.9%, with a median age of 36 years. Hypertension (44.2% vs 45.4%), diabetes (18.6% vs 20.4%), and overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m²: 54.9% vs 52.0%) prevalence did not substantially differ by HIV status, although PLWH had a lower 10-year predicted CVD risk (median: 5.1% vs 13.5%). In adjusted models, females who are HIV-negative had a 5 mm Hg higher median systolic blood pressure (128 vs 123 mmHg) than female PLWH.

CONCLUSIONS

PLWH in South Africa have better cardiometabolic disease profiles than the general population, and social determinants, rather than HIV, may have a greater influence on cardiometabolic risk. Designating PLWH a CVD high-risk group in South Africa is likely unwarranted.

Association of HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy With Arterial Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

[Figure: see text].

Association between HIV infection and hypertension: a global systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies

BACKGROUND

Improved access to effective antiretroviral therapy has meant that people living with HIV (PLHIV) are surviving to older ages. However, PLHIV may be ageing differently to HIV-negative individuals, with dissimilar burdens of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension. While some observational studies have reported a higher risk of prevalent hypertension among PLHIV compared to HIV-negative individuals, others have found a reduced burden. To clarify the relationship between HIV and hypertension, we identified observational studies and pooled their results to assess whether there is a difference in hypertension risk by HIV status.

METHODS

We performed a global systematic review and meta-analysis of published cross-sectional studies that examined hypertension risk by HIV status among adults aged > 15 (PROSPERO: CRD42019151359). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health and Cochrane CENTRAL to August 23, 2020, and checked reference lists of included articles. Our main outcome was the risk ratio for prevalent hypertension in PLHIV compared to HIV-negative individuals. Summary estimates were pooled with a random effects model and meta-regression explored whether any difference was associated with study-level factors.

RESULTS

Of 21,527 identified studies, 59 were eligible (11,101,581 participants). Crude global hypertension risk was lower among PLHIV than HIV-negative individuals (risk ratio 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.96), although heterogeneity between studies was high (I² = 97%, p < 0.0001). The relationship varied by continent, with risk higher among PLHIV in North America (1.12, 1.02-1.23) and lower among PLHIV in Africa (0.75, 0.68-0.83) and Asia (0.77, 0.63-0.95). Meta-regression revealed strong evidence of a difference in risk ratios when comparing North American and European studies to African ones (North America 1.45, 1.21-1.74; Europe 1.20, 1.03-1.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the relationship between HIV status and prevalent hypertension differs by region. The results highlight the need to tailor hypertension prevention and care to local contexts and underscore the importance of rapidly optimising integration of services for HIV and hypertension in the worst affected regions. The role of different risk factors for hypertension in driving context-specific trends remains unclear, so development of further cohorts of PLHIV and HIV-negative controls focused on this would also be valuable.

Integrating care for non-communicable diseases into routine HIV services: key considerations for policy design in sub-Saharan Africa

INTRODUCTION

There is great interest for integrating care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) into routine HIV services in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to the steady rise of the number of people who are ageing with HIV. Suggested health system approaches for intervening on these comorbidities have mostly been normative, with little actionable guidance on implementation, and on the practical, economic and ethical considerations of favouring people living with HIV (PLHIV) versus targeting the general population. We summarize opportunities and challenges related to leveraging HIV treatment platforms to address NCDs among PLHIV. We emphasize key considerations that can guide integrated care in SSA and point to possible interventions for implementation.

DISCUSSION

Integrating care offers an opportunity for effective delivery of NCD services to PLHIV, but may be viewed to unfairly ignore the larger number of NCD cases in the general population. Integration can also help maintain the substantial health and economic benefits that have been achieved by the global HIV/AIDS response. Implementing interventions for integrated care will require assessing the prevalence of common NCDs among PLHIV, which can be achieved via increased screening during routine HIV care. Successful integration will also necessitate earmarking funds for NCD interventions in national budgets.

CONCLUSIONS

An expanded agenda for addressing HIV-NCD comorbidities in SSA may require adding selected NCDs to conditions that are routinely monitored in PLHIV. Attention should be given to mitigating potential tradeoffs in the quality of HIV services that may result from the extra responsibilities borne by HIV health workers. Integrated care will more likely be effective in the context of concurrent health system reforms that address NCDs in the general population, and with synergies with other HIV investments that have been used to strengthen health systems.

[Diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure over risk in HIV-infected people followed at Souro Sanou University Hospital Day Hospital, Bobo-Dioulasso 2018]

BACKGROUND

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent the leading causes of death worldwide. HIV also increases the risk of developing NCDs including diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study, based on an analysis of the cohort database of the day hospital of the Souro Sanou teaching hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso). Diabetes mellitus was defined by the undergoing of anti-diabetic treatment or two successive measurements of fasting blood sugar above 7mmol/l and high blood pressure by the undergoing of antihypertensive treatment or two successive measurements of blood pressure above 140/90mmHg. Comparison of the frequency of diabetes and hypertension in the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) population on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with that of the general population of Burkina Faso was made by indirect standardization according to age and gender.

RESULTS

A total of 4259 patients including 3148 women (73.9%) were included in this study. The median age of the patients was 45 years (IQR: 38-52); the median body mass index (BMI) was 19.6kg/m² (IQR: 15.4 - 22.7) and 48.3% of patients had a BMI≥25kg/m². The median CD4 count was 590 cells/mm³ (IQR: 417-785). The median ART duration was 8.2 years (IQR: 4.7-11.2). The majority of patients (82.9%) were on treatment combinations consisting in 2 INTI+1 NNRTI. Prevalence of hypertension was 39.8%; it was statistically higher in men than in women (45.8% versus 37.8%). Prevalence of hypertension was 87.0% higher in the PLWHA population than among same-sex and same-age subjects in the general population. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 7.3%. Diabetes mellitus was more common in men than in women (10.1% versus 6.3%; P<10^-3). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 36.0% higher in the PLWHA population than among same-sex and same-age subjects in the general population.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was higher among PLHWA undergoing ART than in the general population. Care for the PLHWA population should more widely include NCD treatment.

Differences in hypertension and prehypertension among people living with and without HIV in China: role of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

Hypertension is a growing health concern in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, association between HIV infection and hypertension is equivocal.

METHODS

In all, 1472 PLWH and 2944 HIV-negative individuals frequency-matched by age and sex were derived from the baseline survey of Comparative HIV and Aging Research in Taizhou (CHART), China. Prehypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) of 120-139 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg.

RESULTS

Despite the fact that prevalence of hypertension was overall lower among PLWH than among HIV-negative people (21.1% vs. 29.1%, P < 0.001), it was similar at ages 18-29 (7.6% vs. 8.5%) and 30-44 years (17.1% vs. 18.5%) but significantly lower in PLWH at ages 45-59 (26.1% vs. 40.7%) and 60-75 years (37.1% vs. 57.3%). Prehypertension prevalence was consistently higher in PLWH across all age groups. In the model adjusting for traditional risk factors, HIV infection was associated with hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.55) and prehypertension (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.51-2.08), and attenuated after additional adjustment for abdominal obesity. Age-stratified analysis showed that these associations of HIV with hypertension were observed at ages 18-29 and 30-44 years and associations with prehypertension were observed at ages 18-29, 30-44 and 45-59 years only. Years since HIV diagnosis and stavudine use were the HIV-specific factors independently associated with hypertension or/and prehypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV infection is independently associated with prehypertension and hypertension especially at younger ages, and this risk may increase as treatment becomes prolonged. Our findings reinforce the urgent necessity for active BP screening and control strategies be adopted for PLWH in China.

Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control and predicted 10-year CVD risk: a cross-sectional study of seven communities in East and West Africa (SevenCEWA)

BACKGROUND

Few studies have characterized the epidemiology and management of hypertension across several communities with comparable methodologies in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk across seven sites in East and West Africa.

METHODS

Between June and August 2018, we conducted household surveys among adults aged 18 years and above in 7 communities in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Following a standardized protocol, we collected data on socio-demographics, health insurance, and healthcare utilization; and measured blood pressure using digital blood pressure monitors. We estimated the 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk using a country-specific risk score and fitted hierarchical models to identify determinants of hypertension prevalence, awareness, and treatment.

RESULTS

We analyzed data of 3549 participants. The mean age was 39·7 years (SD 15·4), 60·5% of whom were women, 9·6% had ever smoked cigarettes, and 32·7% were overweight/obese. A quarter of the participants (25·4%) had hypertension, more than a half of whom (57·2%) were aware that they had diagnosed hypertension. Among those diagnosed, 50·5% were taking medication, and among those taking medication 47·3% had controlled blood pressure. After adjusting for other determinants, older age was associated with increased hypertension prevalence, awareness, and treatment whereas primary education was associated with lower hypertension prevalence. Health insurance was associated with lower hypertension prevalence and higher chances of treatment. Median predicted 10-yr CVD risk across sites was 4·9% (Interquartile range (IQR), 2·4%, 10·3%) and 13·2% had predicted 10-year CVD risk of 20% or greater while 7·1% had predicted 10-year CVD risk of > 30%.

CONCLUSION

In seven communities in east and west Africa, a quarter of participants had hypertension, about 40% were unaware, half of those aware were treated, and half of those treated had controlled blood pressure. The 10-year predicted CVD risk was low across sites. Access to health insurance is needed to improve awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa.

Cognitive differences associated with HIV serostatus and antiretroviral therapy use in a population-based sample of older adults in South Africa

Previous clinical studies have reported adverse cognitive outcomes for people living with HIV (PLWH), but there are no population-based studies comparing cognitive function between older PLWH and comparators without HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. We analyzed baseline data of 40 + years-old participants in "Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa" (HAALSI) cohort. We measured cognition using a battery of conventional instruments assessing orientation, immediate- and delayed-recall, and numeracy (N = 4560), and the Oxford Cognitive Screen [OCS]-Plus, a novel instrument for low-literacy populations, assessing memory, language, visual-spatial ability, and executive functioning (N = 1997). Linear regression models comparing cognitive scores between participants with and without HIV were adjusted for sex, education, age, country of birth, father's occupation, ever-consumed alcohol, and asset index. PLWH scored on average 0.06 (95% CI 0.01-0.12) standard deviation (SD) units higher on the conventional cognitive function measure and 0.02 (95% CI - 0.07 to 0.04) SD units lower on the OCS-Plus measure than HIV-negative participants. We found higher cognitive function scores for PLWH compared to people without HIV when using a conventional measure of cognitive function but not when using a novel instrument for low-literacy settings.

HIV serostatus, inflammatory biomarkers and the frailty phenotype among older people in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Objective: We compared the prevalence of frailty by HIV serostatus and related biomarkers to the modified frailty phenotype among older individuals in a rural population in South Africa. Methods: Questionnaire data were from a cohort of people living with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV-uninfected people aged 50 years and older sampled from the Africa Health Research Institute Demographic Health and Surveillance area in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The prevalence of frailty was compared using five categories: (1) physical activity; (2) mobility; (3) fatigue; (4) gait speed; and (5) grip strength, and assessed for demographic, clinical, and inflammatory correlates of frailty. Results: Among 614 individuals in the study, 384 (62.5%) were women. The median age at study enrolment was 64 years [Interquartile range (IQR) (58.6-72.0)]. 292 (47.6%) were PWH. 499 (81%) were classified as either pre-frail or frail. 43 (7%) were frail and HIV positive, 185 (30%) were pre-frail and HIV positive, 57 were frail and HIV negative and 214 (35%) were pre-frail and HIV negative. Frailty was similar for HIV negative and PWH (17.7% vs 14.7%, p = 0.72). Women were more likely to be frail (18.3% vs 13.04%, p = 0.16). The prevalence of frailty increased with age for both HIV groups. In the multivariable analysis, the odds of being frail were higher in those aged 70 years and above than those aged between 50 and 59 years (p < 0.001). Females were less likely to be pre-frail than males (p < 0.001). There was no association between any of the inflammatory biomarkers and frailty and pre-frailty. Conclusion: In this population, the prevalence of frailty is similar for PWH and people without HIV, but higher for women than men. These data suggest that the odds of developing frailty is similar for PWH over the age of 50 years, who survive into older age, as for people without HIV.

Blood pressure, T cells, and mortality in people with HIV in Tanzania during the first 2 years of antiretroviral therapy

Cardiovascular disease is now a leading cause of mortality in people with HIV (PWH). High blood pressure is the major driver of cardiovascular disease. Despite this, little is known about blood pressure in PWH during the early years of antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this prospective cohort study in Tanzania, the authors conducted unobserved blood pressure measurements at enrollment, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months in 500 PWH initiating ART and 504 HIV-uninfected adults. The authors excluded measurements taken on antihypertensive medications. Although PWH had a significantly lower blood pressure before ART initiation, they had a significantly greater increase in blood pressure during the first 2 years of ART compared to HIV-uninfected controls. Blood pressure correlates in PWH differed from HIV-uninfected controls. In PWH, lower baseline CD4⁺ T-cell counts were associated with lower blood pressure, and greater increases in CD4⁺ T-cell counts on ART were associated with greater increases in blood pressure, both on average and within individuals. In addition, PWH with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mm Hg at the time of ART initiation had ~30% mortality in the following 3 months due to occult infections. These patients require careful investigation for occult infections, and those with tuberculosis may benefit from corticosteroids.

A comparative analysis of blood pressure in HIV-infected patients versus uninfected controls residing in Sub-Saharan Africa: a narrative review

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We reviewed the literature comparing BP in treated HIV-infected populations against untreated and/or uninfected controls from SSA. We conducted a narrative review through PubMed and EBSCO Discovery Service to determine estimates of raised BP and hypertension in HIV-infected patients versus untreated/uninfected controls (1 January 2005 to 31 July 2019 and 9 May 2020). We included 19 eligible studies that compared treated HIV-infected with untreated and/or uninfected controls. In studies comparing treated HIV-infected patients to uninfected controls, studies including 6882 (56.30%) and 21,819 (79.2%) participants reported lower BP and hypertension prevalence, respectively in HIV-infected patients; whereas studies including 753 (6.16%) and 3553 (12.9%) participants showed a higher BP and hypertension prevalence. Lastly, 4588 (37.54%) and 2180 (7.91%) participants showed no difference in BP and the prevalence of hypertension. When comparing BP of treated versus untreated HIV-infected patients, studies including 5757 (44.2%) patients reported lower BP in treated patients; while studies with 200 (1.53%) patients showed higher BP and 7073 (54.28%) showed no difference in BP. For hypertension status, studies with 4547 (74.5%) patients reported a lower prevalence of hypertension in treated patients; whereas studies with 598 (9.80%) patients showed higher prevalence; and 959 (15.7%) no difference in prevalence between treated versus untreated HIV-infected patients. In studies conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa, the majority of the findings indicate lower blood pressure and/or prevalence of hypertension in treated HIV-infected individuals compared to untreated and uninfected controls.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

As longevity has increased for people living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States and Europe, there has been a concomitant increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and morbidity in this population. Whereas the availability of HIV antiretroviral therapy has resulted in dramatic increases in life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where over two thirds of PLWH reside, if and how these trends impact the epidemiology of CVD is less clear. In this review, we describe the current state of the science on how both HIV and its treatment impact CVD risk factors and outcomes among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa, including regional factors (unique to SSA) likely to differentiate these relationships from the global North. We then outline how current regional guidelines address CVD prevention among PLWH and which clinical and structural interventions are best poised to confront the co-epidemics of HIV and CVD in the region. We conclude with a discussion of key research gaps that need to be addressed to optimally develop an actionable public health response.

Blood pressure trajectories and the mediated effects of body mass index and HIV-related inflammation in a mixed cohort of people with and without HIV in rural Uganda

We sought to describe changes in blood pressure and estimate the effect of HIV on blood pressure (BP) over 4 years of observation in a cohort of 155 HIV-infected adults (≥40 years) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 154 sex- and age-quartile-matched, population-based, HIV-uninfected controls for four years in rural Uganda, we compared changes in blood pressure (BP) by HIV serostatus and tested whether body mass index and inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6) and immune activation (sCD14 and sCD163) mediated the effects of HIV on BP using hierarchical multivariate and two-stage parametric regression models. Overall HIV-uninfected participants had higher mean BP than HIV-infected counterparts (differences in trend P < 0.0001 for diastolic BP and P = 0.164 for systolic BP). After initial declines in BP in both groups between years 1 and 2, BP moderately increased in both groups through year 4, with greater change over time observed in the HIV-uninfected group. Body mass index mediated 72% (95%CI 57, 97) of the association between HIV and systolic BP. We found a minimal mediating effect of sCD14 on the relationship between HIV and SBP (9%, 95% CI 5%, 21%), but found no association between other HIV-related biomarkers. Over four years of observation, HIV-infected people in rural Uganda have lower BP than HIV-uninfected counterparts despite having higher levels of inflammation. BMI, rather than measures of HIV-associated inflammation, explained a majority of the difference in BP observed.

Patho-immune Mechanisms of Hypertension in HIV: a Systematic and Thematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To systematically review recent findings on the role of immune cell activation in the pathogenesis of hypertension in people living with HIV (PLWH) and compare studies from Sub-Saharan Africa with what is reported in the USA and European literature according to guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

RECENT FINDINGS

PLWH have an increased risk for development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Chronic immune activation contributes to hypertension but the inflammatory milieu that predisposes PLWH to hypertension is poorly understood. We identified 45 relevant studies from 13 unique African countries. The prevalence of hypertension in PLWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the ART-naive PLWH ranged from 6 to 50% and 2 to 41%, respectively. Interleukin (IL)-17A, interferon (IFN)-γ, and higher CD4+ T cell counts were associated with hypertension in ART-treated participants. Targeting adaptive immune activation could provide improved care for hypertensive PLWH. Further research is needed to characterize the inflammatory milieu contributing to hypertension in PLWH especially in African populations where the global burden of HIV is the highest.

Prevalence of arterial hypertension and risk factors among people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

OBJECTIVES

to verify the prevalence of arterial hypertension and its risk factors among people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome under antiretroviral therapy.

METHOD

cross-sectional study with 208 patients. Data collection was conducted through interviews using a form containing data on sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological aspects, hypertension risk factors, blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index and abdominal circumference. Mean, standard deviation, odds ratio and confidence interval were calculated, t-test and Chi-square test were used, considering P < 0.05 as statistically significant. Hypertension associated variables were selected for logistic regression.

RESULTS

patients were male (70.7%), self-reported as mixed-race (68.2%), had schooling between 9 and 12 years of study (46.6%), had no children (47.6%), were single (44.2%), in the sexual exposure category (72.1%) and heterosexual (60.6%). The prevalence of people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and arterial hypertension was 17.3%. Logistic regression confirmed the influence of age greater than 45 years, family history of hypertension, being overweight and antiretroviral therapy for more than 36 months for hypertension to occur.

CONCLUSION

the prevalence of hypertension was 17.3%. Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and hypertension were older than 45 years, had family history of hypertension, were overweight and under antiretroviral therapy for more than 36 months.

Incidence and predictors of 6 months mortality after an acute heart failure event in rural Uganda: The Mbarara Heart Failure Registry (MAHFER)

OBJECTIVE

We sought to estimate the incidence and predictors of all-cause mortality 6 months after heart failure hospitalization in Uganda.

METHODS

Mbarara Heart Failure Registry is a cohort of patients hospitalized with a clinical diagnosis of heart failure at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. We measured serum electrolytes, cardiac markers, and echocardiograms. All participants were followed until death or end of 6 months. We used Fine and Gray models to estimate the incidence and predictors all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 215 participants were enrolled, 141 (66%) were women, and mean age 53 (standard deviation 22) years. Nineteen (9%) had diabetes, 40 (19%) had HIV, and 119 (55%) had hypertension. The overall incidence of all-cause mortality was 3.58 (95% CI 2.92, 4.38) per 1000 person-days. Men had higher incidence of death compared to women (4.02 vs 3.37 per 1000 person-days). The incidence of all-cause mortality during hospitalization was almost twice that of in the community (27.5 vs 14.77 per 1000 person-days). In adjusted analysis, increasing age, NYHA class IV, decreasing renal function, smoking, each unit increase in serum levels of Potassium, BNP, and Creatine kinase-MB predicted increased incidence of 6 months all-cause death whereas taking beta-blockers and having an index admission on a weekend compared to a week day predicted survival.

CONCLUSIONS AND INTERPRETATION

There is a high incidence of all-cause mortality occurring in-hospital among patients hospitalized with heart failure in rural Uganda. Heart failure directed therapies should be instituted to curb heart failure-related mortality.

Distribution and Performance of Cardiovascular Risk Scores in a Mixed Population of HIV-Infected and Community-Based HIV-Uninfected Individuals in Uganda

BACKGROUND

The utility and validity of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk scores are not well studied in sub-Saharan Africa. We compared and correlated CVD risk scores with carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) among HIV-infected and uninfected people in Uganda.

METHODS

We first calculated CVD risk using the (1) Framingham laboratory-based score; (2) Framingham nonlaboratory score (FRS-BMI); (3) Reynolds risk score; (4) American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association score; and (5) the Data collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs score. We then compared absolute risk scores and risk categories across each score using Pearson correlation and kappa statistics, respectively. Finally, we fit linear regression models to estimate the strength of association between each risk score and c-IMT.

RESULTS

Of 205 participants, half were females and median age was 49 years [interquartile range (IQR) 46-53]. Median CD4 count was 430 cells/mm (IQR 334-546), with median 7 years of antiretroviral therapy exposure (IQR 6.4-7.5). HIV-uninfected participants had a higher median systolic blood pressure (121 vs. 110 mm Hg), prevalent current smokers (18% vs. 4%, P = 0.001), higher median CVD risk scores (P < 0.003), and greater c-IMT (0.68 vs. 0.63, P = 0.003). Overall, FRS-BMI was highly correlated with other risk scores (all rho >0.80). In linear regression models, we found significant correlations between increasing CVD risk and higher c-IMT (P < 0.01 in all models).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cross-sectional study from Uganda, the FRS-BMI correlated well with standard risk scores and c-IMT. HIV-uninfected individuals had higher risk scores than HIV-infected individuals, and the difference seemed to be driven by modifiable factors.