Evaluating and managing cardiovascular disease risk factors in HIV-infected patients.
The primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with HIV infection are the same as those for the general population. Some antiretroviral drugs are associated with a small increase in short-term risk of CVD that may become greater over longer periods of exposure. However, the absolute risk associated with use of these drugs is of greatest importance for patients already at moderate or high risk of CVD. The guiding principle in managing CVD risk for HIV-infected patients is to maintain control of the HIV infection while addressing the metabolic abnormalities that increase CVD risk. Lipid-lowering therapy with statins is very effective in reducing CVD risk, with levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol constituting the primary treatment targets for most patients with dyslipidemia. This article summarizes a lecture by James H. Stein, MD, at the International AIDS Society-USA continuing medical education program held in Washington, DC, in June 2010.
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents