Screening and management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in HIV-positive patients attending an Australian urban sexual health clinic.
Background Few data exist regarding cardiovascular risk among HIV-infected patients attending sexual health clinics (SHC) in Australia.



The medical records of 188 patients attending an inner-city SHC between August 2013 and July 2014 were retrospectively reviewed for cardiovascular risk factors and associated screening and management practices.



Cardiovascular risk factors were common among attendees of the SHC, including smoking (38%), hypertension (14%) and dyslipidaemia (11%). Of the 188 patients, 23% reported using potentially cardiotoxic recreational drugs, 25% of dyslipidaemic patients were not on therapy and 10% of patients were hypertensive; none were prescribed treatment. A smoking cessation program was offered to all patients.



A high prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease was demonstrated. Modification of risk factors could be improved.
RPA Sexual Health Clinic, Community Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
Sheena
S
Kakar
Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Douglas
D
Drak
Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
Tahiya
T
Amin
Renal Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
Jason
J
Cheung
RPA Sexual Health Clinic, Community Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
Catherine
C
O'Connor
Renal Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
David
D
Gracey
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014505:Urban Population