Published in PLOS One on 2026-05-05, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Dawit Errega, Marios Kantaris, Andualem Deresse, Kaleab Berhanu, Yohannes Gebreegziabhere, Sisay Mulugeta Alemu, Adedayo Ajidahun, Mehdi Sharafi, Adetayo Olorunlana
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0348283
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a significant burden in Ethiopia. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to both the virus and the side effects of antiretroviral therapy. Despite a growing body of research on cardiovascular diseases in PLWHA in Ethiopia, no review has synthesised the available evidence. This scoping review aims to summarise the existing literature on cardiovascular diseases among PLWHA in Ethiopia.
This scoping review followed the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework, with enhancements from Levac et al. (2010). A systematic search was conducted across six electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, ProQuest, Global Index Medicus, and Web of Science) in November 2023 and updated in March 2026. Studies on cardiovascular diseases among PLWHA in Ethiopia were included. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. A data extraction template was used, and findings were synthesised narratively. The selection process was documented using a PRISMA flow diagram.
Twenty-six studies were included, with nearly two-thirds (61.5%, n = 16) focused on hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension among PLWHA in Ethiopia ranged from 11.0 to 41.3%. Factors associated with hypertension included male gender, old age, rural residence, alcohol consumption, smoking, family history, low physical activity, obesity, and HAART duration/type. Other cardiovascular conditions studied included ischemic stroke, dilated cardiomyopathy, ECG abnormalities, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and pericardial effusion. Most studies were cross-sectional and institution-based.
This review highlights the limited yet growing evidence on cardiovascular diseases among PLWHA in Ethiopia, with a predominant focus on hypertension. Future research should use more robust study designs, such as longitudinal and interventional studies, encompass a broader range of cardiovascular diseases, and include community-based studies to better understand the prevalence and burden of cardiovascular diseases among PLWHA in Ethiopia.
Introduction
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to pose significant public health challenges in Ethiopia. Although national HIV prevalence has declined over recent years due to the expansion of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and public health interventions, approximately 1% of the population (around 1.4 million people) is still affected, with regional variation, making the country one of the most affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa [1–3]. The epidemic’s impact is not limited to health; it has profound socioeconomic consequences, including increased healthcare costs, reduced labour productivity, and rising numbers of orphans and vulnerable children [4,5].
As the life expectancy of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) increases due to improved HAART coverage, the pattern of disease burden is shifting. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases, have emerged as critical comorbidities among PLWHA globally, including in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like Ethiopia. PLWHA are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications due to a complex interplay of traditional risk factors, HIV-induced chronic inflammation, and side effects of long-term Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) use [6–8]. Studies have documented increased rates of atherosclerosis [9], coronary artery disease [10], myocardial infarction [7,8], ischemic stroke [11], heart failure [12], and pulmonary hypertension [13] in this population.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Dawit Errega, Marios Kantaris, Andualem Deresse, Kaleab Berhanu, Yohannes Gebreegziabhere, Sisay Mulugeta Alemu, Adedayo Ajidahun, Mehdi Sharafi, Adetayo Olorunlana. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Burden and patterns of dyslipidaemia among adult Ghanaians: A systematic review
- Evidence brief: Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes and associated factors among HIV-infected women in a reproductive age group attending antiretroviral therapy in Nekemte town, Oromia, Ethiopia
- Evidence brief: Exploring barriers and enablers to diabetes self-care practice in Ethiopia, 2025: A qualitative systematic review
