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

Abstract

ObjectivesCardiovascular 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. MethodsWe 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. ResultsHIV 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. ConclusionsPLWH 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.