Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Association with Tuberculosis, among HIV patients on ART in Bagamoyo District, Eastern Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Individuals living with HIV/AIDS have a higher risk of cardiovascular complications, including hypertension. We, therefore, assess the prevalence of hypertension and its association with Tuberculosis in HIV patients on ART in Bagamoyo district eastern Tanzania. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving HIV-infected individuals on ART, consecutively enrolled from two selected care and treatment clinics (CTC), between March and May 2019. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≤ 90 mm Hg or being on-ant hypertensive medication regardless of blood pressure measurement on the day of the visit. Results: We investigated 328 HIV patients on ART, 64.6% were female, 92.68% on non-protease inhibitors, 0.61% had current TB and 14% had a history of Tuberculosis in the past 5 years. The overall prevalence of hypertension in HIV patients on ART was 29.3% and it was significant and positively associated with increasing age, obesity, family history of hypertension, and, current history of TB. However, having a history of Tuberculosis in the past 5 years was not associated with increased odds of having hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in HIV patients on ART was higher and it was associated with traditional risk factors and the current history of tuberculosis and but not with a history of Tuberculosis in the past 5 years. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial among HIV/AIDS patients attending HIV outpatient clinics.