[Premature arteriosclerosis in HIV-infected patients? Current status]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Metabolic Disorders

Context:

• Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is associated with complex lipodystrophic body changes and metabolic abnormalities like dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in HIV patients.
• The long-term impact of these metabolic changes on cardiovascular event rates in the HIV-infected population remains a critical area of investigation.
• Current data on the incidence of cardiovascular events, specifically myocardial infarctions, in HIV patients during the HAART era presents conflicting findings, potentially due to methodological variations.

Purpose:

• To review and discuss key studies investigating the incidence of premature arteriosclerosis in HIV-infected patients.
• To analyze the relationship between metabolic abnormalities induced by HAART and the risk of cardiovascular events.
• To clarify the current understanding of cardiovascular event incidence in HIV patients undergoing HAART.

Summary:

• HIV patients on HAART frequently exhibit lipodystrophy and metabolic disturbances, including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.
• The incidence of myocardial infarctions in HIV-infected individuals is generally low, but data regarding changes during the HAART era are conflicting.
• This review critically examines studies on the incidence of premature atherosclerosis in HIV patients, considering the impact of HAART.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of premature arteriosclerosis incidence in HIV patients on HAART.
• Highlights the need for further research to resolve conflicting data on cardiovascular event rates.
• Informs clinical practice regarding the cardiovascular risk assessment and management in HIV-infected individuals.