Predictors of cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV in northern Nigeria

Background People living with HIV (PLWH) exhibit two-fold higher incidence of cardiovascular disease compared to HIV-negative persons. However, predictors of cardiovascular disease risk in PLWH are still evolving. The objective of this study is to evaluate the predictors of cardiovascular disease among PLWH in Nigeria. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients attending a large HIV clinic in Kano, northern Nigeria. We used systematic sampling to recruit participants and computed their 5-year projected CVD risk using the Data collection on Adverse effects of Anti-HIV Drugs (DAD) equation. Results The majority of participants were female (70.6%). The estimated median 5-year CVD risk was 0.7% (interquartile range, IQR 0.4, 10). The majority of participants (58.9%) had a low risk of developing cardiovascular disease, while 28.9% had a moderate risk. Cardiovascular disease was associated with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) > 3.03 mg/L [adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 4.58, 95% CI: 2.09–10.04), p  = 0.001], increasing age [aOR 2.38, 95% CI (1.48–4.50), p = 0.020], male sex [aOR 2.16, 95% CI (1.03–4.53), p  = 0.040] and hypercholesterolemia [aOR 3.03, 95% CI (1.68–4.86), p  = 0.005]. Conclusion The majority of PLWH in our setting have low to moderate risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease risk was associated with elevated hsCRP, increasing age, male sex, and hypercholesterolemia. Our findings highlight the importance of early CVD risk stratification to prevent morbidity and mortality among PLWH.