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[AIDS and heart disease]
K Lindvig1, T L Nielsen, B F Hansen
1Kardiologisk laboratorium, Københavns Amts Sygehus i Gentofte.
Insights
Cardiac issues in AIDS patients, including myocarditis and fibrosis, may lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Echocardiography aids early detection, and prompt treatment improves patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Abstract:
This article reviews cardiac manifestations of AIDS in terms of etiology, pathogenesis, pathoanatomic lesions and heart function. Hypothetically the prevalence of myocarditis and disperse fibrosis of the myocardium are correlated to increasing rates of dilated cardiomyopathy and cardiac insufficiency. Echocardiography has proved to be of value in detecting early abnormalities and should be recommended on broad indications, though aggressive therapy of cardiac abnormalities is of importance to ensure quality of life and surveillance for the patients.