HIV infected patients are at higher calculated risk for CHD compared w/the general population of the same age
HIV is known to promote atherosclerosis through mechanisms related to immune activation, chronic inflammation, coagulation disorders, and lipid disturbances
Additionally combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) has an affect on lipid and glucose metabolism demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo
The presence of an accelerated process of coronary atherosclerosis in this population is a major concern
Practitioners should have a high index of suspicion when confronted by young HIV patients and further data/strategies to prevent early CHD in HIV-infected patients is warranted
References
Boccara F, et al. HIV and Coronary Heart Disease. J Am Coll Cardiol 2013;61:511–23
