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HAART to heart: HIV-related cardiomyopathy and other cardiovascular complications
Cynthia L Dakin1, Catherine A O'Connor, Carol A Patsdaughter
1School of Nursing, Bouvè College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA. c.dakin@neu.edu
Insights
Advances in HIV treatment increase life expectancy, leading to more diverse late-stage complications like cardiomyopathy. Early cardiac assessments and patient education are crucial for managing these life-threatening conditions in HIV+ individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Over one million Americans diagnosed with HIV.
- Improved HIV treatments increase patient life expectancy.
- Increased lifespan leads to diverse late-stage complications.
Observation:
- HIV+ patients present with more cardiovascular conditions, including cardiomyopathy.
- These cardiac issues stem from HIV, treatments, comorbidities, and lifestyle.
- HIV-related dilated cardiomyopathy is a significant, potentially fatal diagnosis.
Findings:
- Cardiac complications are a growing concern for the aging HIV population.
- Multifactorial etiologies contribute to HIV-associated cardiovascular disease.
- Prompt cardiac assessment and management are vital.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers must recognize and manage diverse cardiac complications in HIV+ patients.
- Enhanced patient education and nursing collaboration are essential.
- Further research into HIV-cardiac disease mechanisms and treatments is warranted.
Abstract:
More than one million Americans have been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Advances in prevention and treatment of HIV have led to an increased life expectancy for patients with HIV infection. Due to their increased life span, HIV+ patients are now presenting to hospitals with an increased number of diverse late-stage complications, such as cardiomyopathy and other cardiovascular conditions. These complications are as a direct or indirect result of HIV disease, HIV treatment modalities, comorbid conditions, dietary and lifestyle factors, and unknown etiologies. Cardiac complications, particularly HIV-related dilated cardiomyopathy, are potentially life-threatening diagnoses, with symptoms that may be minimized with appropriate cardiac-specific assessments and treatments, patient teaching, and collaboration among nurses caring for the HIV-positive client with cardiac disease.
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