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An In Vitro Model for Measuring Immune Responses to Malaria in the Context of HIV Co-infection
Published on: October 6, 2015
Cardiovascular disease in HIV infection
Frank J Palella1, John P Phair
1Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. f-palella@northwestern.edu
Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS
|May 7, 2011
Summary
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved survival for HIV-infected individuals, but cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now a significant concern. While HAART can mitigate some HIV-related CVD risks, certain antiretroviral drugs may increase them; routine screening is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed HIV management, leading to increased survival and the emergence of non-infectious comorbidities.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a critical comorbidity in HIV-infected individuals undergoing antiretroviral treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of HIV infection and its treatment on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- To evaluate the role of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in CVD development among HIV-infected patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on HIV, HAART, and cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which HIV infection and ARV drugs affect CVD risk factors.
Main Results:
- Untreated HIV infection can elevate serum lipids and increase systemic inflammation, hypercoagulation, and reduce endovascular reactivity.
- Some antiretroviral drugs may increase CVD risk through lipid elevations, insulin resistance, or altered fat distribution; abacavir is associated with increased myocardial infarction risk.
- Traditional CVD risk factors remain significant predictors in the HAART-treated HIV population.
Conclusions:
- HIV is a manageable chronic condition in the HAART era, with CVD being a major cause of morbidity.
- Successful HAART can reverse some HIV-related CVD risks, and its benefits generally outweigh potential ARV-associated CVD risks.
- Routine cardiovascular screening and risk-reduction interventions are essential for all HIV-infected individuals.
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