Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients
08:45

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients

Published on: April 18, 2025

Echocardiographic findings and abnormalities in HIV-infected patients: results from a large, prospective, multicenter

Nico Reinsch, Philipp Kahlert, Stefan Esser

    American Journal of Cardiovascular Disease
    |January 19, 2012
    PubMed

    Insights

    Echocardiography reveals cardiac abnormalities in many HIV-infected adults, including left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. Regular cardiac screening is recommended for this population, especially monitoring left ventricular wall thickness and function.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can impact cardiovascular health.
    • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved outcomes but may have long-term cardiac effects.
    • Large-scale, multicenter studies are needed to understand cardiac structure and function in HIV-infected populations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess cardiac structure and function in a large cohort of HIV-infected individuals.
    • To identify the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in this population.
    • To evaluate the utility of echocardiography in managing HIV-related cardiac conditions.

    Main Methods:

    • Prospective, cross-sectional cohort study of 803 HIV-positive adults.
    • Standardized patient history, medical treatment, and clinical examination.
    • Transthoracic echocardiography with Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging.

    Main Results:

    • Left ventricular dilatation observed in 10.1% of subjects.
    • Increased interventricular septum (18.0%) and posterior wall thickness (11.1%) noted.
    • Prevalence of systolic dysfunction was 34.3% and diastolic dysfunction was 48.0%.

    Conclusions:

    • Echocardiography is crucial for assessing cardiac health in HIV-infected patients on ART.
    • Regular monitoring of left ventricular wall thickness and function is essential.
    • Early detection of cardiac abnormalities can guide management and improve patient outcomes.
    Abstract

    Keywords:
    AIDSEchocardiographyHIV-Infectioncardiomyopathy

    Related Concept Videos

    Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

    Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

    The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
    Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

    Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

    Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
    Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation01:25

    Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation

    Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
    Abnormal Heart Sounds
    Gallops:
    Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography01:20

    Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography

    Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
    Types of Echocardiography
    Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
    TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
    Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

    Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

    The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
    Definition and Purpose
    An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
    Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

    Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...