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Left ventricular dysfunction in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients
J S Cardoso1, B Moura, L Martins
1Oporto Cardiovascular Research and Development Unit (JNCIT 51/94), Oporto Medical School, Hospital de S. João, Porto, Portugal.
International Journal of Cardiology
|March 3, 1998
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection impairs heart function, causing diastolic dysfunction and reduced ejection fraction even in asymptomatic patients. These cardiac abnormalities are linked to HIV itself, not just opportunistic infections or treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is known to affect multiple organ systems.
- Cardiac involvement in HIV infection is increasingly recognized, but its mechanisms and prevalence require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate left ventricular (LV) function in HIV-infected patients compared to HIV-seronegative controls.
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of cardiac dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 98 HIV-infected patients and 40 HIV-seronegative controls.
- Echocardiography was used to assess LV function, including isovolumic relaxation time, LV diastolic diameters, fractional shortening, and ejection fraction.
Main Results:
- HIV patients exhibited significantly increased isovolumic relaxation time and LV diastolic diameters, and decreased fractional shortening compared to controls.
- Diastolic dysfunction was observed in 63% of HIV patients, and depressed ejection fraction in 32%.
- Cardiac dysfunction was less severe in earlier HIV stages and in HIV-2 infected patients. Opportunistic infections were associated with more frequent congestive heart failure.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection is associated with significant left ventricular dysfunction, including diastolic abnormalities and reduced systolic function.
- These cardiac abnormalities are present even in asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals, suggesting a direct role of HIV in their pathogenesis.
- Cardiac dysfunction in HIV is not solely attributable to opportunistic infections, coinfections, or antiretroviral therapy.