Sander LD, Newell K, Ssebbowa P, Serwadda D, Quinn TC, Gray RH, Wawer MJ, Mondo G, Reynolds S.
Trop Med Int Health. 2015 Mar;20(3):391-6.
Objectives
To assess the prevalence of hypertension, elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors among HIV-positive individuals in rural Rakai District, Uganda.
Methods
We assessed 426 HIV-positive individuals in Rakai, Uganda from 2007 to 2010. Prevalence of hypertension and elevated blood pressure assessed by clinical measurement was compared to clinician-recorded hypertension in case report forms. Multiple logistic regression and z-tests were used to examine the association of hypertension and elevated blood pressure with age, sex, body mass index, CD4 cell count, and anti-retroviral treatment (ART) use. For individuals on anti-hypertensives, medication utilization was reviewed.
Results
The prevalence of hypertension (two elevated blood pressure readings at different time points) was 8.0% (95% CI: 5.4–10.6%), and that of elevated blood pressure (one elevated blood pressure reading) was 26.3% (95% CI: 22.1–30.5%). Age ≥50 years and higher body mass index were positively associated with elevated blood pressure. ART use, time on ART, and CD4 cell count were not associated with hypertension. 83% of subjects diagnosed with hypertension were on anti-hypertensive medications, most commonly beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Conclusions
Hypertension is common among HIV-positive individuals in rural Uganda.