Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Frequent in African HIV Patients

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by Marta Ribeiro |

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A recent review study has found that patients with HIV in Africa have a higher than average prevalence of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The study, entitled “HIV related pulmonary arterial hypertension: epidemiology in Africa, physiopathology, and role of antiretroviral treatment,” was published in the AIDS Research and Therapy journal.

PAH is a disease characterized by narrowed and blocked pulmonary arteries, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood through the lungs and raising the pressure in those arteries. The increase in pulmonary artery pressure (an mPAP above 25 mmHg) results in shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain, and may ultimately cause right heart failure.

 

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