Cardiovascular disease risk factors and antiretroviral therapy in an HIV-positive UK population.
OBJECTIVE
Although the benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been dramatic, studies have started to report a variety of drug-related side effects and toxicities. We sought to characterize the risk factors for cardiovascular disease present in an HIV-positive population.


METHODS
A total of 394 HIV-positive ambulant patients attending the Royal Free Hospital, London, were asked to complete a questionnaire. Questions focused on smoking habits and general health.


RESULTS
In total, 38% of patients were aged >40 years, 37% had a family history of heart disease, 3% had diabetes, 14% suffered from raised blood pressure, 20% had a body mass index (BMI)>26 kg/m3, 7% had an alcohol consumption above the recommended UK limit, and 18% had total cholesterol levels >6.3 mmol/L [corrected]. The rate of smoking observed (45%) was much higher than that observed amongst the general population in the British Health Survey for England (34%). There were significant differences between those receiving and not receiving ART. Those on ART tended to be younger (P<0.0001) and less likely to smoke cigarettes (P=0.06) or have an alcohol consumption above the recommended limit (P=0.08), but were more likely to have diabetes (P=0.05). More patients receiving ART reported, and so perceived themselves to have, raised blood fats (P<0.0001). This was confirmed when considering blood lipid levels, where those on ART had significantly raised total cholesterol levels compared to those not currently receiving ART (P<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
We have demonstrated an excess of cardiovascular risk factors in this cohort. These issues must be addressed if we wish to maintain the benefit of treating HIV infection.
Smith
C J
CJ
Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK. c.smith@pcps.ucl.ac.uk
Levy
I
I
Sabin
C A
CA
Kaya
E
E
Johnson
M A
MA
Lipman
M C I
MC
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome