Coronary artery disease and human immunodeficiency virus

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cardiac complications in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients have evolved since the 1980s.
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has shifted the landscape of cardiac conditions in HIV-positive individuals.
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is now a primary cause of illness and death in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiology of CAD in HIV-infected patients.
• To explore current management strategies for CAD and its risk factors in people with HIV.
• To identify evidence gaps and future research directions for CAD in the context of HIV.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on cardiac complications in HIV.
• Analysis of the mechanisms linking HIV and ART to CAD development.
• Synthesis of current clinical guidance and identification of management challenges.

Main Results:

• Both HIV infection and ART contribute to CAD through various pathways.
• There is a lack of specific guidelines for managing CAD and associated risk factors in people with HIV.
• CAD represents a significant and increasing clinical burden in the HIV-positive population.

Conclusions:

• CAD is a critical issue in HIV management, influenced by both the virus and its treatment.
• Specialized guidance is needed for the effective management of CAD in individuals with HIV.
• Further research is essential to address the escalating burden of CAD in this demographic.