Good Fences Make Good Neighbors: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Vascular Disease

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease, venous thrombosis, and microvascular disease in people with HIV (PWH) is predicted to increase in an aging HIV-infected population. Endothelial damage and dysfunction is a risk factor for cardiovascular events in PWH and is characterized by impaired vascular relaxation and decreased nitric oxide availability. Vascular disease has been attributed to direct viral effects, opportunistic infections, chronic inflammation, effects of antiretroviral therapy, and underlying comorbid conditions, like hypertension and use of tobacco. Although biomarkers have been examined to predict and prognosticate thrombotic and cardiovascular disease in this population, more comprehensive validation of risk factors is necessary to ensure patients are managed appropriately. This review examines the pathogenesis of vascular disease in PWH and summarizes the biomarkers used to predict vascular disease in this population.