Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Oral Combinational Antiretroviral Treatment in HIV-1 Infected Humanized Mice
Published on: October 6, 2022
[Is there an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy?]
M Duong1, Y Cottin, M Froidure
1Service des maladies infectieuses, centre hospitalier régional universitaire (CHRU) du Bocage, 21034 Dijon, France.
Insights
HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) face increased cardiovascular disease risk due to metabolic issues. Managing risk factors like hypertension and dyslipidemia is crucial for these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Growing concern regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in HIV-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- Metabolic abnormalities linked to long-term ART use are potential contributors to increased CVD risk.
- Established CVD risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, central obesity) are prevalent in HIV patients on ART.
Purpose:
- To highlight the association between antiretroviral therapy and cardiovascular disease risk in HIV patients.
- To identify key metabolic and non-reversible risk factors contributing to CVD in this population.
- To emphasize the importance of managing cardiovascular risk factors in HIV-infected individuals.
Summary:
- HIV patients on ART exhibit a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and central fat deposition.
- Non-modifiable risk factors such as male sex, age over 40, and family history of premature coronary artery disease, alongside lifestyle factors like smoking and sedentary behavior, further increase CVD risk.
- While a direct atherogenic effect of HIV or ART is considered unlikely, epidemiological data suggest an elevated risk for coronary artery disease, warranting proactive management.
Impact:
- Informs clinicians about the heightened cardiovascular risk in HIV patients on ART.
- Underscores the need for comprehensive screening and management of metabolic and lifestyle-related CVD risk factors.
- Promotes a proactive approach to cardiovascular health in the management of HIV infection.
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.
More Related Videos
07:27Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
05:53Measuring Frailty in HIV-infected Individuals. Identification of Frail Patients is the First Step to Amelioration and Reversal of Frailty
Published on: July 24, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management