Description
Cardiovascular disease (CVD)is becoming a major issue for people living with HIV (PLHIV).According to a study conducted by Shah and others in 2022,the global risk is expected to be 2.5 times higher in than in HIV-uninfected people,accounting for 2.6 million disability-associated life years (DALYs)each year.Inadequate access to medical facilities and professionals makes diagnosing CVD in PLHIV difficult. To mitigate this,novel ways to detect subclinical heart dysfunction are required. There is scarcity of data on cardiovascular disease patterns in HIV-positive Kenyans. This study presents on the clinical, biological, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters of HIV-infected clients with cardiovascular disease risks in Simenya Health Center,Siaya county between June 2024 to June 2025
METHODS:
This retrospective study was conducted at Simenya HC after implementing the MOYO AFYA CVD (Cardiovascular disease)care model Project, which included Tele ECG and Point of Care Cardiac Ultrasound in Siaya County. HIV-infected adults over the age of 20 were screened for cardiovascular disease using Facility CVD patient questionnaire. All HIV-infected patients with two or more cardiovascular risk factors had a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, which included a clinical history, physical examination,arterial blood pressure, random blood glucose,total cholesterol levels, oxygen saturation, 12-lead ECG and an echocardiogram. Information not available in the EMR was obtained from a Facility CVD patient record form adopted from MOYO AFYA.Data was analyzed using Excel.
RESULTS:
A total of 247 HIV-POSITIVE people aged 20 to 80 years were screened, with women accounting for 67% of the total.A total of 167 clientswere eligible for ECG and Echocardiogram.This screening resulted in immediate benefits for 100% of persons through ECG and 65% through Echocardiogram images, who would have otherwise gone undiagnosed. Abnormal ECG and Echocardiogram results were found in 77%and 17.2% clients respectively.
CONCLUSION:
Portable Tele-ECG and Echo technologies in resource-constrained settings can significantly enhance healthcare access and outcomes for PLHIV.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Government of Kenya |
| Position | HIV Comprehensive Care Clinic Cordinator |
| Received a Grant? | No |
