Awareness and management of elevated blood pressure among human immunodeficiency virus–infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in urban Zambia: A call to action

Sophie Bauer, Mwanza Wa Mwanza, Roma Chilengi, Charles B. Holmes, Zude Zyambo, Hansjakob Furrer, Matthias Egger, Gilles Wandeler, Michael J. Vinikoor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) and hypertension (HTN), awareness of the diagnoses, and use of anti-hypertensive drugs were examined among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Zambia's capital Lusaka. Within a prospective cohort based at two public sector ART clinics, BP was measured at ART initiation and every 6 months thereafter as a routine clinic procedure. Predictors of HBP (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg) during one year on ART were analyzed using logistic regression, and the proportion with HTN (2+ episodes of HBP >3 months apart) described. A phone survey was used to understand patient awareness of HBP, use of anti-hypertensive drugs, and history of cardiovascular events (CVE; myocardial infarction or stroke). Among 896 cohort participants, 887 (99.0%) had at least one BP measurement, 98 (10.9%) had HBP, and 57 (6.4%) had HTN. Increasing age (10-year increase in age: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–1.93), male sex (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.43–3.80), and overweight/ obesity (AOR = 4.07; 95% CI 1.94–8.53) were associated with HBP. Among 66 patients with HBP, 35 (53.0%) reported awareness of the condition, and nine (25.7%) of these reported having had a CVE. Only 14 (21.2%) of those reached reported ever taking an anti-hypertensive drug, and one (1.5%) was currently on treatment. These data suggest that major improvements are needed in the management of HBP among HIV-infected individuals in settings such as Zambia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-5
Number of pages5
JournalGlobal health action
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Africa
  • Antiretroviral therapy
  • HIV/AIDS
  • High blood pressure
  • Non-communicable diseases

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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