Screening and risk assessment for coronary artery disease in HIV infection: an unmet need

J Nadel1,2, C J Holloway2,3

  • 1University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

HIV Medicine
|August 25, 2016
PubMed

Insights

People with HIV have a 1.5-2x higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), similar to diabetes. Current screening tools are insufficient for this growing population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • HIV infection is now a manageable chronic condition.
  • HIV treatment increases coronary artery disease (CAD) risk due to inflammation, risk factors, and antiretroviral therapy side effects.
  • HIV-positive individuals face a 1.5-2 fold higher risk of CAD, comparable to diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the current landscape of CAD in the HIV-infected population.
  • To review existing assessment and management tools for CAD in HIV patients.
  • To identify limitations of current CAD assessment and management strategies for this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current CAD prevalence in HIV.
  • Analysis of risk factors contributing to CAD in HIV.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic and screening tools for CAD in HIV patients.

Main Results:

  • HIV infection independently elevates CAD risk to levels seen in diabetes.
  • Antiretroviral therapies and chronic inflammation contribute to increased cardiovascular risk.
  • Existing CAD screening and assessment tools have limitations for HIV-infected individuals.

Conclusions:

  • HIV-infected individuals represent a high-risk population for CAD.
  • There is a critical need for improved screening and assessment tools tailored to HIV patients.
  • Further research is needed to optimize cardiovascular risk management in the context of HIV infection.

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
798
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
714
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
363
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.5K
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...
374
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
510