Microalbuminuria and Hypertension in the HIV-Positive Population of Oslo (MAHO Study)

Abstract

The aims of this thesis were to study important risk factors for cardiovascular and renal diseases, i.e. microalbuminuria, hypertension and diurnal blood pressure rhythm in the HIV-infected population of Oslo. <br><br>

We found that the prevalence of microalbuminuria in the HIV-infected cohort was 2–5 times higher than in the general population, while hypertension did not appear more frequently. The HIV therapy seemed to induce a certain effect on diastolic blood pressure, levels, while no such effect was demonstrated for systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, this was the first study to demonstrate an attenuated diurnal blood pressure rhythm with a reduced nocturnal blood pressure fall in the majority of hypertensive HIV-infected subjects.<br><br>

The MAHO study indicates that inflammatory activity induced by HIV infection may be involved in the development of microalbuminuria, high blood pressure levels and attenuated blood pressure rhythm. The high prevalence of microalbuminuria and attenuated blood pressure rhythm in HIV-infected individuals might partially explain the increased risk for cardiovascular and renal disease.