Ischemic cardiovascular disease in persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Clin Infect Dis. 2002 Jan 1;34(1):98-102. doi: 10.1086/324745. Epub 2001 Nov 20.

Abstract

Persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection might be at risk for ischemic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We reviewed the records of 16 HIV-infected persons with proven CVD (8 cases of angina and 8 cases of myocardial infarctions). This represents 1.7% of HIV-infected persons seen at our institution from 1 April 1999 through 25 April 2000. In comparison with 32 HIV-infected age- and sex-matched controls, case patients had more risk factors for CVD (median number of risk factors for CVD, 3 versus 1; P<.001), lower nadir CD4+ lymphocyte counts (median, 101 cells/mm3 versus 278 cells/mm3; P=.02), and a longer duration of prior exposure to nucleoside analogs (median, 190 weeks versus 130 weeks; P=.02). There was no difference in the duration of exposure to protease inhibitors. Ischemic CVD occurs in HIV-infected persons and appears to be most closely associated with traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease (for example, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia). Lower CD4+ lymphocyte counts and duration of HIV infection might also be risk factors or markers for the development of ischemic CVD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / immunology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Ischemia / epidemiology*
  • Myocardial Ischemia / etiology
  • Myocardial Ischemia / immunology
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / adverse effects

Substances

  • HIV Protease Inhibitors