Cardiovascular diseases associated with HIV infection and their management

Abstract

HIV infection is associated with accelerated development of CV disease and can be a challenge for an infectious disease specialist involved in the care of HIV-infected patients. The most common CV complications include: premature CAD and myocardial infarction, myocarditis, and dilated cardiomyopathy. The proarrhythmic effects of some drugs used in antiretroviral therapy should also be taken into account. The efficacy of pharmacotherapy in controlling HIV infection results in a significant improvement in the life expectancy of patients infected. The new challenge in this group of patients involves ageing. In HIV positive patients, ageing is about ten years earlier than in the general population. This increases the likelihood of CV disease resulting not only from ageing but also as a consequence of HIV infection, its sequelae and antiretroviral therapy. Recommendations applying to CV prevention consist of lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy, preferably with statins. The guidelines for the treatment of symptomatic CV disease do not differ from generally accepted standards. Copyright © Polskie Towarzystwo Kardiologiczne.