Cardiovascular Risk Factors in HIV-Infected Adults in North-Central Nigeria: Prevalence, Associated Factors and Assessment of Risk Using the Framingham Risk Score – Preliminary Results from a Survey

HIV/AIDS is an increasingly important cause of cardiovascular (CVD) morbidity world-wide. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of CVD risk factors in HIV positive (HIV+) adults and assessment of these risks using the Framingham risk score (FRS). A cross-sectional study of adult clients of the HIV clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital. One hundred and fifty HIV+ selected randomly with 50 (age and sex matched) HIV negative (HIV-) participants were enrolled. Relevant history, physical examination and biochemical investigations and 12-lead electrocardiography were performed. Data was analyzed using Epi-info 7.2 statistical software and P value < 0.05 was considered significant. The prevalent major CVD risk factors were dyslipidaemia (30.0% versus 6.0%), hypertension (34.0% versus 10.0%) and diabetes mellitus (10.0% versus 2.0%) among the HIV+ and HIV- participants respectively. The FRS of the HIV+, 3 (IQR 3-28) were statistically significantly higher than that of the HIV- participants, 2 (IQR 1-13); P=0.001. Furthermore, 32% of the HIV+ had moderate-high FRS compared to 2% of HIV- participants. CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/ml, use of anti-retroviral (ART), ART use ≥ 2 years and use of protease inhibitors (PI) emerged as predictors of moderate-high FRS among the HIV+ participants. In conclusion, a high prevalence of CVD risk factors exists among HIV+ population in our local environment. These risk factors can be identified early by baseline/periodic cardiovascular work-up which should include use of CVD risk tools. Early diagnosis and treatment will significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients.