[Is there an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy?]

Abstract

There is a growing concern about an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in HIV infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). This risk could be related to metabolic abnormalities associated with long-term use of antiretroviral drugs. In fact, well recognized cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus and central fat deposition are increasingly seen in HIV patients on ART. These factors can also be associated with non reversible risk factors, such as male sex, age greater than 40 years and family history of premature coronary artery disease. In addition, cigarette smoking and sedentary lifestyle may predispose these patients to significant cardiovascular disease. A direct atherogenic effect of HIV infection itself or antiretroviral drugs is unlikely. Epidemiological studies have suggested an increased risk for coronary artery disease in HIV infected persons; nevertheless, only long term follow-up could confirm this statement. Despite these uncertainties, it seems reasonable to identify and manage cardiovascular risk factors in HIV infected patients.