Key result
HIV infection is linked to cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, affecting 28% of patients with AIDS.
Why the study?
The effects of HIV on cardiovascular autonomic function have been little investigated in African patients.
Is HIV infection associated with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in African patients?
Cross-Sectional (n=75)
No
Is HIV infection associated with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in African patients?
HIV infection, particularly at the AIDS stage, is associated with a high prevalence of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in African patients, highlighting the utility of simple screening tests before invasive procedures.
May indicate higher autonomic risk in AIDS; leaves open need for prospective validation before screening in African HIV cohorts.
The effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on cardiovascular autonomic function have been little investigated in African patients. We performed standard heart-rate and blood pressure tests on 75 consecutive consenting patients referred for an HIV test in Yaounde, Cameroon. 54 patients proved to be HIV-infected (30 having progressed to AIDS). Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction was present in 8 (28%) patients with AIDS and in 1 (4%) HIV-positive patient without AIDS; no HIV-negative individuals had abnormal results. If borderline results are included, over 80% of HIV-positive patients had cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. In HIV-infected patients, simple tests such as blood pressure responses to standing or handgrip can warn of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, thus signalling the need for added precautions when invasive procedures are proposed.
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Nzuobontane et al. (2002) conducted a cross-sectional in HIV infection (n=75). HIV infection vs. HIV-negative individuals was evaluated on Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. HIV infection was associated with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, occurring in 28% of patients with AIDS and 4% of HIV-positive patients without AIDS, compared to 0% of HIV-negative individuals.
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