RISKS ASSESSMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AMONG HIV/AIDS PATIENTS RECEIVING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY AT UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL OF BUTARE CHUB

This study assessed the risks of cardiovascular diseases among HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) in southern Rwanda. A cross-sectional design was employed from January to February 2021. A sample of 199 participants was systematically selected, including HIV-positive patients on ART and a control group. Blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles using standard spectrophotometric procedures. The study adhered to strict ethical considerations, including informed consent and participant confidentiality. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with a p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. Results indicated demographic disparities, with 66% female participants and 72% on first-line ART. Triglyceride levels showed 42% within normal ranges, 26% borderline high, and 32% hypertriglyceridemia. For high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), 61.3% were normal, 19.3% classified as low-risk, and 19.3% had hypercholesterolemia. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) results revealed 87.6% within normal ranges, 7.3% borderline high, and 8% with hypercholesterolemia. Total cholesterol analysis is ongoing. Ethical approval was obtained, though the study faced challenges such as a limited sample size and movement restrictions due to COVID-19. Despite limitations, the findings highlight the importance of monitoring lipid profiles in HIV/AIDS patients on ART to reduce cardiovascular risks and inform clinical interventions.