TITLE:
Incidence and Evolutionary Trajectory of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in People Living with HIV in the DRC: A Retrospective Cohort
AUTHORS:
Benjamin Masikini Lupenzi, Aliocha Natuhoyila Nkodila, Eulether Vita Kintoki, Jean Bosco Kasiam, Benjamin Longo-Mbenza
KEYWORDS:
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, HIV, Risk Factors, Antiretroviral Therapy, Democratic Republic of the Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.4,
April
22,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an early marker of cardiac involvement and a predictor of heart failure and mortality. This study aimed to determine the incidence of LVH, describe its progression trajectory after initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and identify risk factors for LVH among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 154 adults living with HIV who were followed at the University Clinics of Kinshasa between 2000 and 2003 and had been on ART for at least six months. Clinical, laboratory, and electrocardiographic data were analyzed to assess the incidence, progression, and risk factors of LVH. Results: The overall prevalence of LVH was 29.2%. Survival analysis showed that patients on TDF + 3TC + EFV had a higher risk of developing LVH compared to those on TDF + 3TC + LPV/r (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 3.39; p = 0.003). Hypertension (aHR = 3.79; p = 0.001) and proteinuria (aHR = 2.97; p = 0.026) were identified as independent risk factors, while CD4 count was not significantly associated after adjustment. Conclusion: These findings confirm the importance of hypertension and renal impairment in left ventricular remodeling and suggest a potential role of ART regimen choice in cardiovascular health.