Prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in HIV-infected outpatients: results from a prospective, multicenter cohort

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Stefan Esser1, Götz Gelbrich, Norbert Brockmeyer

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Medical School, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.

Clinical Research in Cardiology : Official Journal of the German Cardiac Society
|November 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly prevalent in aging HIV-infected individuals. Early prevention and diagnostic strategies are crucial to manage this growing health challenge in the era of antiretroviral therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Growing evidence indicates an increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among individuals with HIV.
  • The aging HIV-infected population presents unique challenges, with a significant knowledge gap regarding associated cardiovascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of CVD in HIV-infected outpatients using standardized non-invasive screening methods.
  • To assess cardiovascular and coronary risk in this population using Framingham risk scores.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study involving 803 HIV-infected outpatients.
  • Standardized non-invasive cardiovascular screening was employed.
  • Cardiovascular and coronary risk were calculated using Framingham risk scores.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of CVD was 10.1% in the study population (mean age 44.2 years).
  • Aging HIV-infected patients (≥45 years) showed significantly higher rates of CVD, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and chronic heart failure.
  • Multivariate analysis identified age, smoking, and advanced symptomatic HIV infection as significant predictors of CVD prevalence. A disproportionate increase in cardiac events is projected for aging HIV-infected individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiovascular disease in the aging HIV-infected population represents a significant and escalating medical concern.
  • Effective prevention and diagnostic strategies are imperative to mitigate CVD prevalence in HIV-infected patients, particularly in the context of modern antiretroviral therapy.
Abstract

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