Purpose of review: The purpose of the present review article is to present the recent data on the cardiovascular complications in patients infected with HIV as well as the preventive strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease in those patients.
Recent findings: Individuals infected with HIV frequently demonstrate a metabolic syndrome associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Extensive functional and structural arterial wall changes have been observed in these individuals. It is documented that these vascular changes are closely related to highly active antiretroviral treatment-induced metabolic disorders as well as characteristics of the HIV infection itself. Intensive treatment of vascular dysfunction might be helpful in preventing or retarding the atherosclerotic process in HIV patients.
Summary: Marked changes in arterial function and structure are observed in HIV patients leading to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Early antiretroviral therapy and aggressive treatment of cardiovascular risk factors might be helpful.