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Cardiovascular complications of highly active antiretroviral therapy: case report

Nuno Cabanelas1, Patrícia Ferreira, Fausto Roxo

  • 1Serviço de Medicina 1, Hospital de Dia de Doenças Infecciosas, Hospital Distrital de Santarém, Santarém, Portugal. ncabanelas@gmail.com

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology
|August 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Long-term antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can lead to severe cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks. Early detection and management of lipid abnormalities are crucial for preventing cardiac complications in HIV patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
  • Prolonged use of ART has been associated with various metabolic and cardiovascular side effects.

Observation:

  • A case study of an HIV-positive patient initiated on ART in 1996.
  • The patient experienced an acute myocardial infarction in 2003, indicative of significant coronary artery disease.
  • Persistent abnormal lipid profiles were noted throughout seven years of ART.

Findings:

  • The patient's myocardial infarction was the first clinical manifestation of coronary artery disease.
  • Severe dyslipidemia was a consistent finding during the patient's prolonged ART regimen.
  • The cardiovascular event highlights potential risks associated with long-term antiretroviral treatment.

Implications:

  • There is a need to monitor cardiovascular health in patients undergoing long-term ART.
  • Proactive prevention and management of cardiac and metabolic complications are essential.
  • This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing patients with complex, multisystem diseases like HIV.

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