Arterial stiffness is associated with oxidative stress and endothelial activation among persons with treated HIV in Zambia

Abstract

Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality and is estimated to comprise 54% of total deaths. The prevalence of CVD is on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and overlaps with a persistent epidemic of HIV infection. Evidence from high-income countries suggests that the incidence of CVD events in persons living with HIV (PLWH) is approximately 1.5-2.0-fold higher compared to age-matched HIV-negative individuals and PLWH have a significantly higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI) compared with demographically and behaviourally similar HIV-negative individuals even after adjustment for Framingham risk factors, comorbidities and substance use. Notably, this risk differential persists despite suppression of plasma viraemia by antiretroviral treatment