The Influence of Age on Cardiovascular, Motor, and Lifestyle Components in Hispanic-Latinos Living with HIV

Abstract

Background: People living with HIV experience various comorbidities associated with aging. As this population grows older, these comorbidities cause physical impairments that decrease functional autonomy and quality of life. Purpose: This investigation aims to characterize various components affecting Hispanic Latino people living with HIV (PLHIV) concerning age. Methods: Data was extracted from 323 participants’ records enrolled in La Perla de Gran Precio’s HIV Community Center in Puerto Rico. Participants were allocated into the following age groups for comparison: 40 years or less (L-HIV group) and above 40 years of age (U-HIV group). Multiple one-way ANOVAs were applied to compare the data between the two age groups based on five components: cardio, motor, lipid panel, comorbidities, and lifestyle. Results: There were 44 participants allocated to the L-HIV group (age =35.4+/-3.7) and 279 to the U-HIV group (age=56.3+/-7.4). The cardio components (time completed on the submaximal treadmill test and peak heart rate) were significantly less in the upper age group. The U-HIV group also demonstrated substantially slower gait speed and less inclination achieved on the submaximal treadmill test. Lastly, the U-HIV group consisted of more participants with multiple comorbidities. Conclusion: In Hispanic Latino PLHIV, more significant cardiovascular and motor deficits were identified in the U-HIV group in addition to an increased rate of multi-morbidity. Future inquiries are desired to resolve if the time since diagnosis is an acceptable indicator of cardio-motor deterioration and an upsurge in multiple comorbidities experienced in this population.