Prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients

Atherosclerosis and HIV: Exploring Cardiovascular Risks and Management

The advent of antiretroviral therapy has markedly improved the life expectancy of individuals with HIV, leading to a shift in clinical focus from managing opportunistic infections to addressing chronic conditions, such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Emerging evidence highlights an elevated risk of ASCVD among people living with HIV, characterized by a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and heart failure compared with the general population. This review examines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of ASCVD in the context of HIV. It explores the interplay between HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, underscoring the need for comprehensive cardiovascular risk reduction strategies tailored to people living with HIV. Through synthesizing data from clinical trials, observational studies, and basic research, the review aims to enhance understanding of HIV-associated ASCVD and inform healthcare practices to improve the longevity and quality of life for this patient population.

HIV and hypertension epidemiology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the burden, pathogenesis, and recent recommendations for treating hypertension among people living with HIV (PLWH). This review is relevant because of the increase in the prevalence of HIV as a chronic disease and the intersection of the increasing prevalence of hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

The contribution of HIV to the pathogenesis of hypertension is complex and still incompletely understood. Evidence suggests that chronic inflammation from HIV, antiretroviral treatment (ART), and comorbidities such as renal disease and insulin resistance contribute to developing hypertension in PLWH. Treatment is not distinct from guidelines for HIV-noninfected people. Nonpharmacological guidelines such as decreasing blood pressure by promoting a healthy lifestyle emphasizing exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation are still recommended in the literature. The pharmacological management of hypertension in PLWH is similar, but special attention must be given to specific drugs with potential interaction with ART regimens. Further research is needed to investigate the pathways and effects of hypertension on HIV.

SUMMARY

There are different pathways to the pathogenesis of hypertension in PLWH. Clinicians should take it into consideration to provide more precise management of hypertension in PLWH. Further research into the subject is still required.

Incidence and Predictors of Hypertension Among HIV Patients Receiving ART at Public Health Facilities, Northwest Ethiopia: A One-Year Multicenter Prospective Follow-Up Study

Background

The introduction of highly active retroviral therapy has dramatically reduced mortality and improved survival among HIV patients. However, there is a possible risk of comorbid complications such as hypertension. Little evidence is available regarding the incidence of hypertension among HIV patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy in Ethiopia.

Purpose

To assess the incidence and predictors of hypertension among HIV positive patients receiving ART at Public Health Facilities, Northwest Ethiopia.

Patients and Methods

A one-year prospective follow-up study was conducted among a cohort of 302 new adult individuals initiating on a standard anti-retroviral therapy regimen with a median (IQR) age of 35 years (IQR=30-41). A pretested data extraction checklist was used to extract baseline patient records. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. The incidence rate was calculated, and a Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate the survival probabilities of developing hypertension. Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to identify the predictors of hypertension.

Results

About 40 (13.25) new hypertensive cases were observed during the follow-up period, and the remaining 262 (86.75%) were censored. The overall incidence rate of hypertension was 16.35 per 1000 person-month with 2447 patient-month observations. Male sex (AHR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.02, 6.14), old age (AHR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.08, 7.45), high BMI (AHR = 6.54, 95% CI: 2.03, 21.13), diabetic comorbidity (AHR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.07, 5.22), and patients who were on Zidovudine (AZT)-based ART regimen (AHR =3.47, 95% CI: 1.10, 10.94) were significant predictors for the development of hypertension.

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed that incident hypertension is a common problem among HIV patients receiving ART. Routine monitoring of blood pressure and screening and treating high blood pressure should be an integral part of follow-up for HIV patients in ART clinics.

Purely Behavioral: A Scoping Review of Nonpharmacological Behavioral and Lifestyle Interventions to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Persons Living With HIV

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 900,000 deaths annually. People living with HIV are at a higher risk of developing CVD. We conducted a scoping review guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. In July 2020, six databases were searched: PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, as well as reference lists of relevant studies and key journals. Our review identified 18 studies that addressed nonpharmacological behavioral interventions into the following: physical activity (n = 6), weight loss (n = 2), dietary interventions (n = 1), and multicomponent interventions (n = 9). In the past 10 years, there has been an increased emphasis on nonpharmacological behavioral approaches, including the incorporation of multicomponent interventions, to reduce cardiovascular risk in people living with HIV. The extant literature is limited by underrepresentation of geographic regions and populations that disproportionately experience CVD.

Management of cardiovascular diseases in HIV/AIDS patients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a pandemic in the current population causes severe weakness of the body's immune system making the infected patient more vulnerable to life-threatening conditions. The disease predisposes the infected patient to several cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular diseases such as heart failure and stroke. The decline in CD4 cells following HIV infection, vulnerability to opportunistic infections and underlying HIV pathology plays a major role in the development of cardiovascular manifestations, and treatment targeting cardiomyopathy in this specific patient subset is not well recognized. Patients living with HIV (PLWH) also experience discrimination in receiving cardiovascular disease care and this needs to be addressed by strengthening frameworks for monitoring and providing nonjudgmental healthcare. This review aims to study the profile of the cardiovascular disease in HIV patients, treatment, and provide evidence of the disparity in the provision of healthcare with regard to PLWH.

Assessing Unwanted Variations in Rheumatology Clinic Previsit Rooming

BACKGROUND

Rheumatologists face time pressures similar to primary care but have not generally benefitted from optimized team-based rooming during the time from the waiting room until the rheumatologist enters the room.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess current capacity for population management in rheumatology clinics; we aimed to measure the tasks performed by rheumatology clinic staff (medical assistants or nurses) during rooming.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional time-study and work-system analysis to measure rooming workflows at 3 rheumatology clinics in an academic multispecialty practice during 2014-2015. We calculated descriptive statistics and compared frequencies and durations using Fisher exact test and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Observing 190 rheumatology clinic previsit rooming sequences (1419 minutes), we found many significant variations. Total rooming duration varied by clinic (median, 6.75-8.25 minutes; p < 0.001). Vital sign measurement and medication reconciliation accounted for more than half of rooming duration. Among 3 clinics, two of 15 tasks varied significantly in duration, and 9 varied in frequency. Findings led clinic leaders to modify policies and procedures regarding 6 high-variation tasks streamlining assessment of weight, height, pain scores, tobacco use, disease activity, and refill needs.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessing rheumatology rooming tasks identified key opportunities to improve quality and efficiency without burdening providers. This project demonstrated user-friendly methods to identify opportunities to standardize rooming and support data-driven decisions regarding rheumatology clinic practice changes to improve population management in rheumatology.

Greater remnant lipoprotein cholesterol reduction with pitavastatin compared with pravastatin in HIV-infected patients

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in those with HIV. An emerging CVD risk factor is triglyceride-rich remnant lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C: the sum of intermediate-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol). The effects of statin therapy on lipoprotein subfractions, including RLP-C, in HIV dyslipidemia are unknown.

METHODS

This is a post hoc analysis of the randomized INTREPID trial (NCT 01301066) comparing pitavastatin 4 mg daily vs. pravastatin 40 mg daily in study participants with HIV. We measured apolipoproteins AI and B and lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions separated by density gradient ultracentrifugation at baseline and 12 weeks. We compared changes in atherogenic subfractions over 12 weeks in INTREPID participants using analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

Lipoprotein subfraction data were available for 213 study participants (pitavastatin n = 104, pravastatin n = 109). Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups. Reductions in RLP-C were significantly greater in the pitavastatin group compared with pravastatin group (-11.6 mg/dl vs. -8.5 mg/dl; P = 0.01). Similarly, ratios of risk [apolipoproteins B/apolipoproteins AI, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] showed greater reductions with pitavastatin (P < 0.05). There were no differences in changes in HDL-C, HDL-C subfractions or lipoprotein(a) cholesterol levels.

CONCLUSION

In patients with HIV, pitavastatin 4 mg/dl lowered both RLP-C and established apolipoprotein and lipid risk ratios more so than pravastatin 40 mg/dl. The impact of RLP-C reduction on CVD in HIV dyslipidemic patients merits further study.

Ischemic Heart Disease in HIV: An In-depth Look at Cardiovascular Risk

Although the incidence of cardiovascular diseases classically associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has decreased considerably with antiretroviral therapy, cardiovascular risk, and especially ischemic heart disease, are higher in HIV-infected patients than in uninfected individuals. This is due to the interaction of patient-dependent factors with virus-dependent factors, as well as factors associated with antiretroviral therapy. With increasing of life expectancy and the chronicity of HIV infection, cardiovascular disease has emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV patients. In developed countries, the most common cardiovascular manifestation of HIV is ischemic heart disease. Currently, it is not uncommon to find HIV patients with acute coronary syndrome and, given the important pharmacokinetic interactions of antiretroviral drugs, it is important to know which cardiovascular treatments are safe in this group of patients. The ideal approach would be to mitigate the cardiovascular risk in HIV patients with specific primary prevention measures. All these issues are discussed in this review, which aims to aid clinical cardiologists faced with HIV patients with ischemic heart disease or with high cardiovascular risk in daily clinical practice.

Changes in coronary heart disease risk profiles of HIV patients in Zimbabwe over 9 months: a follow-up study

Dyslipidemia, hypertension, inflammation, and coronary heart disease (CHD) are adverse events in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients even if they are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Yet, data on CHD risk induced by HIV or ART in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. The aim of this longitudinal study was to describe changes in CHD risk profiles measured by lipids, inflammatory markers, and Framingham scores among HIV-positive patients previously reported from Harare, Zimbabwe. Patients were grouped into ART-experienced patients (n=147) and ART-naïve patients (n=23) and followed up for 9 months. Generalized least squares random-effects modeling was applied to explain changes in total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein, TC/HDL ratio, myeloperoxidase, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, and Framingham scores over the 9-month period. Independent variables included age, sex, monthly earning, body mass index, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, duration of HIV diagnosis, duration of ART, viral load, and CD4 count. In ART-experienced patients, there was a substantial decrease in TC over time, ART-negative patients showed a significant increase in TC and HDL over time, and the increase in TC was associated with high viral load and low duration of HIV diagnosis, while increase in HDL was associated with young age, low body mass index, and low SBP. Framingham risk scores increased with time in ART-positive patients, and the change was positively correlated with age, sex, high SBP, and low HDL. There was no association between calculated CHD risk (TC/HDL ratio or Framingham score) and changes in levels of inflammatory markers (myeloperoxidase and highly sensitive C-reactive protein) in any of the patient groups. In conclusion, ART-experienced HIV-positive patients show changes in lipid values over time that makes it necessary to include lipid monitoring in order to reduce any risk of long-term CHD.

Drug therapies for HIV-related metabolic disorders

INTRODUCTION

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become a chronic disease often associated with dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) may contribute to metabolic disturbances, eventually leading to increased cardiovascular disease (CVR) in this population. Escalating interventions to decrease CVR include promoting a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, diet and regular exercise. If they do not achieve the goals, a change of cART should be considered, followed by or used concomitantly with the use of chemical therapies.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this article is to review the available drug therapies for the treatment of metabolic disorders in HIV-infected patients and to examine their safety and effectiveness in this population. A review of the literature was conducted, highlighting the most relevant articles.

EXPERT OPINION

Switching strategies can be useful but its expected benefit is not high. Therefore, chemical intervention is often needed. Statins have been proven to reduce CVR in the general population and in HIV-infected patients. Simvastatin is contraindicated in patients treated with boosted PI due to interactions; atorvastatin is safe at submaximal dose and needs close monitoring, while pravastatin lacks lipid-lowering potency, and rosuvastatin and pitavastatin are safe. Ezetimibe and fibrates are also safe and effective in HIV-infected patients and can be used in combination with statins. The management of glucose homeostatic disorders in HIV-infected patients follows the same guidelines as in the general population. However, there are specific considerations with respect to the interactions of particular medications with cART. When drug therapy is needed, metformin is the first-line drug. Decisions regarding second- and third-line drugs should be carefully individualized.

Distinct gender differences in anthropometric profiles of a peri-urban South African HIV population: a cross sectional study

Background

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has extended life expectancy and enhanced the well-being of HIV-positive individuals. Since there are concerns regarding HAART-mediated onset of cardio-metabolic diseases in the long-term, we evaluated the anthropometric profile of black HIV-infected individuals in a peri-urban setting (Western Cape, South Africa).

Methods

A cross sectional study design was followed to describe the gender differences in different HAART treatment groups. HIV-positive patients (n = 44 males, n = 102 females; 20–40 years) were recruited for three groups: 1) control (HIV-positive, HAART-naïve), 2) HIV-positive (<3 years HAART), and 3) HIV-positive (>3 years HAART).

Results

All participants underwent comprehensive anthropometric and bio-electrical impedance analyses. No significant differences were observed in the male treatment groups. HAART-naïve females are mostly overweight (73.90 ± 2.79). This is followed by a period of muscle wasting seen in the triceps skinfold (29.30 ± 2.19 vs 20.63 ± 1.83; p < 0.01), muscle mass (22.23 ± 0.46 vs 19.82 ± 0.54; p < 0.01), and fat free mass (49.40 ± 1.08 vs 44.16 ± 1.21; p < 0.01) upon HAART initiation (<3 years HAART). Thereafter all parameters measured had levels similar to that seen for the female HAART-naïve group. Females on <3 years HAART exhibited significantly decreased body cell mass (p < 0.01), protein mass (p < 0.01), muscle mass (p < 0.01), fat free mass (p < 0.01), and fat mass (p < 0.001) versus matched HAART-naïve controls. The W:H ratio for the female treatment groups placed the females overall at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease compared to the males.

Conclusions

This study found striking gender-based anthropometric differences in black South African HIV-positive individuals on HAART. We also conclude from this observational study that no significant differences were found in the different male treatment groups. All female body composition parameters initially showed lower values (<3 years HAART). The female treatment group (>3 years HAART) displayed values similar to that seen in the HAART-naïve group. Higher W:H ratios in females receiving longer-term HAART potentially increases their risk for the future onset of cardio-metabolic complications.

Bridging the gender gap in atrial fibrillation

Women have a similar lifetime prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) compared with that of men. Given the significant morbidity and potential mortality associated with NVAF, it is crucial to understand gender differences with NVAF. Women can be more symptomatic than men. Despite a higher baseline stroke risk, they are less likely to be on anticoagulation. Women have a greater risk of thromboembolism and a similar rate of bleeding risk compared with men on anticoagulation. Initial experience suggests that novel oral anticoagulants have similar safety and efficacy profile in men and women. Although women can have more adverse reactions from antiarrhythmic therapies, they are often referred later than men for ablation. As a group, a mitigating factor in ablation referral is that women also have a higher incidence of procedural complications from catheter ablation. This review summarizes the available literature highlighting significant gender-based differences and also highlights areas for research to improve NVAF outcomes in women.

Cardiovascular Complications of HIV-Associated Immune Dysfunction

Prolonged survival in HIV infection is accompanied by an increased frequency of non-HIV-related comorbidities. It is suggested that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) occur earlier among HIV-positive patients compared with HIV-negative patients, and at a higher rate. Several factors have been proposed which can be categorized into traditional and nontraditional risk factors. Immune dysfunction is a nontraditional risk factor that contributes significantly to cardiovascular pathology. Markers of inflammation are elevated in HIV-infected patients, and elevations in markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the data currently suggest the most practical advice is to start antiretroviral therapy early and to manage traditional risk factors for CVD aggressively. A better understanding of the mechanisms of CVD in this population and further efforts to modify chronic inflammation remain an important research area.

Effect of antiretroviral therapy on inflammatory markers of endothelial dysfunction in HIV treatment-naïve infected patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of antiretroviral therapy on inflammatory markers of endothelial dysfunction in HIV treatment-naïve infected patients. This was a prospective cohort study in HIV treatment-naïve infected patients. The patients were assigned to a untreated group or a treatment group according to the therapeutic strategy received. Patients in the treatment group received efavirenz or lopinavir/ritonavir, each given with zidovudine and lamivudine. HIV RNA, CD4(+) cell count, and the levels of hsCRP, sCD40L, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin were measured before and 12 weeks after treatment. Fifty patients were enrolled: 13 in the untreated group and 37 in the treatment group; 48 (96%) completed the follow-up. The mean (± SD) age was 33 ± 9 years, and 38 (79%) were men. The median pretreatment CD4(+) cell counts were 263 cells/ml (IQR 118-341) in the treatment group and 658 cells/ml (IQR 475-887) in the untreated group. In the treatment group, the median serum sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels decreased by a small but significant amount (1,400 and 228 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05) from before to after the 12 weeks. These levels did not change in the untreated group. Antiretroviral therapy is associated with a decrease in sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels after 12 weeks of treatment.

Cardiovascular involvements in HIV-infected patients

The lifespan of HIV-infected patients is increasing, and cardiovascular diseases becoming a major comorbidity and leading cause of death in this population due to high prevalence of the cardiac risk factors and possibly due to the use of antiretroviral therapy. Aggressive reduction of these risk factors and treatment of cardiovascular diseases are crucial to decrease the cardiovascular mortality in these patients.

A literature review on cardiovascular risk in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: implications for clinical management

Introduction

In recent years, there has been growing concern about an increasing rate of cardiovascular diseases in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, which could be associated with side effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy. It is likely that the metabolic disorders related to anti-human immunodeficiency virus treatment will eventually translate into a increased cardiovascular risk in patients submitted to such regimens.

Objective

To evaluate if human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy are at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than human immunodeficiency virus infected patients not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy, or the general population.

Research design and methods

We conducted a computer-based search in representative databases, and also performed manual tracking of citations in selected articles.

Result

The available evidence suggests an excess risk of cardiovascular events in human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons compared to non-human immunodeficiency virus infected individuals. The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with increased levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and morphological signs of cardiovascular diseases. Some evidence suggested that human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals on highly active antiretroviral therapy regimens are at increased risk of dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, and myocardial infarction, particularly if the highly active antiretroviral therapy regimen contains a protease inhibitor.

Conclusion

Physicians must weigh the cardiovascular risk against potential benefits when prescribing highly active antiretroviral therapy. Careful cardiac screening is warranted for patients who are being evaluated for, or who are receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy regimens, particularly for those with known underlying cardiovascular risk factors. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients will lead to the discovery of new drugs that will reduce cardiovascular risk in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.

First-line antiretroviral therapy and changes in lipid levels over 3 years among HIV-infected adults in Tanzania

BACKGROUND

With the rapid rollout of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there has been an increasing concern about cardiovascular risks related to ART. However, data from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected populations from this region are very limited.

METHODS

Among 6385 HIV-infected adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, we investigated the nonfasting lipid changes over 3 years following ART initiation and their associations with different first-line ART agents that are commonly used in SSA.

RESULTS

In the first 6 months of ART, the prevalence of dyslipidemia decreased from 69% to 54%, with triglyceride (TG) decreasing from 127 mg/dL to 113 mg/dL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increasing from 39 mg/dL to 52 mg/dL. After 6 months, TG returned to its baseline level and increased to 139 mg/dL at 3 years; total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol continued to increase whereas HDL cholesterol leveled off. The prevalence of dyslipidemia increased to 73% after a 3-year follow-up. In multivariate analyses, patients on zidovudine-containing regimens had a greater reduction in TG levels at 6 months (-16.0 vs -6.3 mg/dL), and a lower increase at 3 years compared to patients on stavudine-containing regimens (2.1 vs 11.7 mg/dL, P < .001); patients on nevirapine-based regimens had a higher increase in HDL cholesterol levels at 3 years compared to those on efavirenz-based regimens (13.6 vs 9.5 mg/dL, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the latest World Health Organization guidelines on the substitution of stavudine in first-line ART in resource-limited settings, and provide further evidence for selection of lipid-friendly ART for patients in SSA.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor as adjunct treatment for persons with HIV infection: a feasibility randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Treatments that reduce inflammation and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among individuals with HIV infection receiving effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) are needed.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a 2 × 2 factorial feasibility study of lisinopril (L) (10 mg daily) vs L-placebo in combination with pravastatin (P) (20 mg daily) vs P-placebo among participants receiving ART with undetectable HIV RNA levels, a Framingham 10 year risk score (FRS) ≥ 3%, and no indication for ACE-I or statin therapy. Tolerability and adherence were evaluated. Longitudinal mixed models assessed changes in blood pressure (BP), blood lipids, and inflammatory biomarkers from baseline through months 1 and 4.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven participants were randomized and 34 [lisinopril/pravastatin (n=9), lisinopril/P-placebo (n=8), L-placebo/pravastatin (n=9), L-placebo/P-placebo (n=8)] attended at least one follow-up visit. Participants were 97% male, 41% white, 67% were current smokers, and 65% were taking a protease inhibitor. Median age was 48 years, CD4 count 483 cells/mm(3), FRS 7.79%, total cholesterol 184 mg/dL, and LDL-C 95 mg/dL. There was no treatment difference for pravastatin vs P-placebo in total cholesterol, LDL-C, or any of the inflammatory biomarkers. Participants randomized to lisinopril vs. L-placebo had significant declines in diastolic BP (-3.3 mmHg, p=0.05), hsCRP (-0.61 µg/mL, p=0.02) and TNF-α (-0.17 pg/mL, p=0.04). Participants taking lisinopril vs L-placebo were more likely to report missed doses (88 vs 35%; p=0.001) and have adherence <90% by pill count (42 vs. 0%; p=0.02). Few participants from either group reported side effects (n=3 vs. n=1).

CONCLUSIONS

The modest BP changes and decreased adherence with lisinopril and absence of lipid differences with pravastatin suggest future studies of these drug classes should consider a run-in period to assess adherence and use a different statin. Our results also indicate that ACE-I therapy may have anti-inflammatory benefits for ART-treated persons with HIV infection and this should be further evaluated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00982189.

Use of the exercise treadmill test for the assessment of cardiac risk markers in adults infected with HIV

BACKGROUND

Despite the association between HIV and coronary artery disease (CAD), there are no specific recommendations for the cardiovascular evaluation of the HIV-infected population. Besides being a tool for the evaluation of CAD, the exercise treadmill test (ETT) provides insights into functional capacity and autonomic function, which have been frequently affected in HIV infection, and thus may be useful in this setting.

METHODS

Forty-nine HIV-infected individuals without known CAD underwent ETT. Peak oxygen consumption during exercise (VO2 peak), functional capacity (in metabolic equivalents [METs]), exercise-induced ischemia, chronotropic incompetence (CI) and abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR) after exercise were studied.

RESULTS

VO2 peak was 31.4±4.8 mL/kg/min and functional capacity was 9.2±1.6 MET. CI was observed in 30.6%, and 10.2% had abnormal HRR. VO2 peak was lower in women and inversely correlated with age and body mass index. None of the patients displayed ischemic changes.

CONCLUSION

Although functional capacity was good, risk markers such as CI and abnormal HRR were not infrequent. This study identifies a subgroup of HIV-infected patients-the older, overweight, or obese-who may have higher risk and deserve cardiovascular screening with the ETT.

Recent developments regarding human immunodeficiency virus infection and stroke

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is strongly associated with ischemic stroke in the young. Data obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample in the United States show an increase in the number of stroke hospitalizations in the HIV-infected population despite an overall decrease in the number of stroke hospitalizations. Few data exist, however, that address the mechanism of HIV-associated stroke. Recent studies have demonstrated that HIV may infect the endothelium and alter cerebrovascular functions. Whether the proposed mechanism alters the stroke risk is undetermined. Epidemiological studies suggest that HIV-related stroke is associated with a risk factor profile that differs from the HIV-negative young stroke population in that HIV-associated strokes are less likely to have hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and smoking as risk factors. A large population-based study, moreover, suggests an association between antiretroviral therapy and increased cardio- and cerebrovascular risks. Specific antiretroviral agents such as protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors have been implicated in the metabolic syndrome, accelerated atherosclerosis and an increased risk for ischemic stroke. In addition to discussing these developments, this paper also discusses the implications of recent data for stroke prevention in HIV-infected patients.

Left ventricular remodelling in asymptomatic HIV infection on chronic HAART: comparison between hypertensive and normotensive subjects with and without HIV infection

The high cardiovascular risk of HIV infected (HIV+) patients is still partly unexplained. We aimed to evaluate if HIV infection and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are linked per se to left ventricular (LV) remodelling, independently of blood pressure (BP) values. We enrolled 4 groups of patients matched by gender, age, body mass index and smoking habit: 30 HIV+ hypertensives, 30 HIV+ normotensives, 30 not-infected (HIV-) hypertensives and 30 HIV- normotensives. HIV+ patients were on chronic HAART. Hypertension was newly diagnosed (≤6 months) and never treated. Each patient underwent blood tests, 24-h BP monitoring and LV echocardiogram. The 4 groups had similar fasting glucose and cholesterol; triglycerides, HOMA index and prevalence of metabolic syndrome were higher in the HIV+ groups. Despite similar 24-h BP values, HIV+ hypertensives had greater LV mass and higher prevalence of preclinical diastolic dysfunction than HIV- hypertensives. Compared to HIV- normotensives, HIV+ normotensives had similar 24-h BP values, but greater LV mass and lower LV diastolic indices, similar to HIV- hypertensives, whose 24-h BP values were higher. Asymptomatic HIV infection and chronic HAART are associated with myocardial hypertrophy and preclinical diastolic dysfunction, independently of BP values.

Assessment and modification of cardiovascular disease risk in the HIV-infected individual

HIV-infected patients are living decades longer than before owing to combination antiretroviral therapy. However, complications are emerging in this population at rates higher than the general population, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). HIV-infected patients have many traditional risk factors that account for a significant part of their increased risk of CVD. However, HIV factors, including complications from antiretroviral therapy and increased inflammation associated with chronic HIV infection, also play a role. Clinicians need to be ever-vigilant to calculate and help attenuate any modifiable CVD risk factors for each HIV-infected individual.

Management of the Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are an increasing subpopulation of patients seen in endocrine/ diabetes clinics. This article explores evidence-based treatment recommendations for patients with metabolic syndrome who are also positive for HIV. Patients infected with HIV may manifest metabolic abnormalities. They often present with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), hypertension, visceral adiposity, and insulin resistance, among other symptoms consistent with features of the metabolic syndrome. The etiologies of the metabolic abnormalities are not completely understood. The role of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and the separate effect of HIV on patients who are surviving longer may contribute to the increased incidence of the development of the metabolic syndrome. The role of the health care team is to provide patient education to patients with HIV concerning lifestyle modification in order to prevent complications related to the metabolic syndrome.

Human immunodeficiency virus and atherosclerosis

The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy has led to a significant decline in the incidence of mortality and progression to AIDS in HIV-infection. With increased life expectancy, HIV-infected individuals are being affected by cardiovascular disease. Research studies have identified an increased prevalence of traditional coronary risk factors in HIV-infected patients. Additional investigations suggest that the virus itself may independently result in atherosclerosis. Further studies have linked the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy to the atherosclerotic processes. These findings suggest the need to reconsider HIV as one of the traditionally accepted risk factors for coronary artery disease, with treatment aimed at prevention of myocardial infarction.

A pilot randomized trial comparing an intensive versus a standard intervention in stable HIV-infected patients with moderate-high cardiovascular risk

OBJECTIVES

The influence on the progression of atherosclerosis of an intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in HIV-infected patients remains unknown. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of an intensive versus a standard intervention in HIV-infected patients with moderate-high cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

A pilot randomized clinical trial. Stable HIV-infected patients with viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy, and two or more cardiovascular risk factors or a Framingham risk score >or=10%. An intensive intervention targeting low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol <100 mg/dl, using antiplatelet therapy, and switching protease inhibitor (PI) therapy, was compared with the standard intervention aiming for LDL-cholesterol <130 mg/dL. The primary endpoint was progression of atherosclerosis measured by the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Secondary endpoints were efficacy in achieving the LDL-cholesterol goal, changes in inflammatory biomarkers, and feasibility and safety of the intervention.

RESULTS

Thirty-two (47%) and 36 (53%) patients were assigned to the intensive and the standard interventions, respectively. After 12 months, the median proportion of change in the cIMT was +1.63% (-4.95 to +10.54) in the intensive intervention, and +1.79% (-6.61 to +6.1) in the standard group (P = 0.59). LDL-cholesterol (39% versus 7%, P < 0.001) and Framingham score (10% versus 0%, P = 0.03) showed larger reductions in the intensive group. No significant changes in levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha were found. No significant adverse events were reported and no virological failures occurred during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

An aggressive intervention targeting LDL-cholesterol in HIV-infected patients was safe and capable of attaining very stringent target levels in adherent patients. However, the intervention did not influence cIMT progression or inflammatory biomarkers after 1 year of follow-up.

Body image is a major determinant of sexual dysfunction in stable HIV-infected women

Background

Prevalence and factors associated with sexual dysfunction in HIV-positive women are poorly known.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study in a cohort of HIV-infected women. Clinically stable women were invited to participate in a female sexual dysfunction (FSD) evaluation with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) exploring desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain and satisfaction. An FSFI score <23 was used for defining FSD. Variables evaluated included body appearance satisfaction, interference of body changes with habits, social life and attitudinal aspects of body image, health-related quality of life, hormonal assessment, menopause, cumulative exposure to antiretroviral drug classes and immune-virological parameters. Lipodystrophy was defined according to the HIV Outpatient Study definition.

Results

A total of 185 women completed the FSFI. The mean (±sd) age was 42 years (±5), 27% had CDC stage C, the mean (±sd) CD4+ T-cell count was 508 cells/μl (±251) and median HIV RNA was 1.7 log10 copies/ ml (interquartile range 1.7–2.6). Among 161 evaluable patients, 59 (32%) reported FSD. In a multiple linear regression analysis, desire, arousal and satisfaction domains were associated with interference of body changes with habits, social life and attitudinal aspects of body image (β=0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06–0.37; β=0.29, 95% CI 0.10–0.48; and β=0.20, 95% CI 0.02–0.38, respectively). Lubrication and orgasm domains were associated with body image satisfaction (β=-0.49, 95% CI -0.88— 0.10 and β=-0.58, 95% CI -1.00—0.16, respectively). No significant associations with sex hormones, CDC stage, CD4+ T-cell count, HIV RNA viral load and cumulative exposure to antiretroviral drug classes were found. In women with FSD, severity of self-perceived abdominal fat accumulation showed a trend towards lower FSFI scores (ANOVA P=0.02).

Conclusions

FSD was highly prevalent in this cohort. Self-perceived body changes was identified as its major determinant.