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Published on: June 30, 2013
Pathogenesis of HIV-associated cardiomyopathy
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. g.barbaro@tin.it
Insights
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) survival but may increase arterial disease risk. This review explores HIV-related cardiovascular complications and their causes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Studies before highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) documented human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cardiac illness.
- HAART has improved HIV survival and quality of life.
- Early data suggest HAART may increase peripheral and coronary arterial diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review HIV-associated cardiovascular complications.
- To discuss pathogenetic mechanisms in diagnosis, management, and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and studies.
- Analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms of HIV-related heart disease.
Main Results:
- HAART has altered the course of HIV disease, improving survival.
- Concerns exist regarding HAART's association with increased arterial diseases.
- Potential etiologies for HIV-related heart disease are diverse.
Conclusions:
- Understanding pathogenetic mechanisms is crucial for managing HIV-associated cardiovascular complications.
- Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between HAART and cardiovascular risk.
- Comprehensive management strategies are essential for HIV+ individuals with cardiac issues.
Abstract:
Reviews and studies published before the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens have tracked the incidence and course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in relation to cardiac illness in both children and adults. HAART regimens have significantly modified the course of HIV disease, with longer survival rates and improvement of life quality in HIV+ subjects expected. However, early data raised concerns about HAART's being associated with an increase in both peripheral and coronary arterial diseases. A variety of potential etiologies have been postulated in HIV-related heart disease, including myocardial infection with HIV itself, opportunistic infections, viral infections, autoimmune response to viral infection, drug-related cardiotoxicity, nutritional deficiencies, and prolonged immunosuppression. In this review article we discuss HIV-associated cardiovascular complications, focusing on pathogenetic mechanisms that may play a role in diagnosis, management, and therapy of these complications.
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