Blood pressure pattern among blood donors exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in Luanda, Angola

Abstract

Background SARS-CoV-2 infection is a global public health concern. Several aspects related to the pattern of infection remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the blood pressure pattern among blood donors exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in Luanda, the capital city of Angola, a sub-Saharan African country. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis containing 343 blood donors from December 2019 to September 2020. Parametric tests compared means while Chi-square and logistic regression checked features associated with high blood pressure and were considered significant when p < 0.05. Results The mean age of blood donors was 32.2 ± 8.81 years (ranging from 18 to 61 years) and 93% of the men's gender. Overall, 4.7% of the studied population had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. High blood pressure prevalence increased from unexposed to exposed SARS-CoV-2 (6.7–18.8%, p = 0.071). SARS-CoV-2 exposure increase systole (131 ± 12.2mmHg to 136 ± 14.2mmHg, p = 0.098), diastole (79.9 ± 9.53mmHg to 84.2 ± 12.7mmHg, p = 0.086), pulse in beats per minute (72.0 ± 11.1 to 73.7 ± 8.50, p = 0.553), and decrease donating time (6.31 ± 3.72 minutes to 5.48 ± 1.61 minutes, p = 0.371). Chances of having high blood pressure were high [OR: 3.20 (95% CI: 0.85–12.1), p = 0.086] in exposed SARS-CoV-2. Blood donors exposed to SARS-CoV-2 with abnormal donation time increased from the donor up to 40 years to over 40 years (from 35.7–50%, p = 0.696). The mean systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure were higher for non-O blood group donors (p > 0.05). A statistically significant link was observed, between the Rhesus factor and blood pressure status (p = 0.032). Conclusions We showed important variations in blood pressure indices of the Angolan population exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Older age and non-O blood groups appear to be important biological factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease after or during SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Further studies assessing the impact on cardiovascular functions with ongoing or long-term SARS-CoV-2 exposure in individuals from resource-limited countries should be considered.

Sociodemographic Characteristics and Risk Factors Related to Hypertension among Individuals from Huambo, Angola

“…[6] Studies carried out in Angola on hypertension and associated risk factors, specifically in Bengo, Huambo, Luanda and Lubango, revealed a significant prevalence of hypertension among the young population and a low level of knowledge about this cardiovascular disease. [7][8][9][10] Despite that, there are few studies published on the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in Angola, particularly in Huambo, one of the provinces, located in the centre of the country. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension in Huambo, in order to contribute to the definition of strategies for controlling cardiovascular diseases.…”