Immune activation and arterial stiffness in lean adults with HIV on antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Greater T-cell activation was associated with reduced vascular compliance amongst persons living with HIV (PLWH) especially among overweight and obese individuals. There is a paucity of data regarding immune activation and arterial stiffness amongst PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The prevalence of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has continued to rise over the last two decades1,2 with cardiovascular-related disorders being a leading cause of death in persons living with HIV (PLWH).3 Endothelial dysfunction, a proposed mechanism leading to this increased cardiovascular disease (CVD ) risk, results in diminished relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle and to arterial stiffness.