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Training Years: 2017-2018

Training Site: Mulago National Referral Hospital-ISS clinic

Country: Uganda

Mentors: Fred Semitala MBChB, MPH; William Checkley MD, PhD,

Title: Ambulatory blood pressure profiles in HIV positive patients attending an ambulatory urban clinic in Uganda

Project Objectives: We aim to study ambulatory blood pressure profiles among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHIVA) who are on anti-retroviral treatment (ART). The proposed study would be the first to use low-cost ambulatory blood pressure monitors to assess cardiovascular risk among HIV/AIDS patients in Uganda.  Identifying blood pressure (BP) patterns including white coat hypertension, masked hypertension, nighttime hypertension, and nighttime BP dipping may provide crucial information regarding the mechanisms underlying the excess cardiovascular disease CVD risk in HIV+ individuals. We intend to use the results to inform health policy makers in Uganda on integrating hypertension diagnosis, treatment and follow-up among PLWHA.

Aim 1: Assess blood pressure patterns among PLWHIVA considered non-hypertensive by clinic blood pressure measurements.

Aim 2: Determine 24-hour Blood Pressure (BP) variability and associated factors among PLWHIVA considered hypertensive by clinic BP measurements.

NIH Support:  Fogarty fellows postdoctoral training award

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