Atherosclerotic vascular disorders in HIV infected patients

Individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (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 therapy (HAART) -induced disorders of metabolic parameters such as serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and arterial blood pressure. In addition, characteristics of the HIV infection itself such as immunodeficiency, viral load, duration of the disease, appear to influence the pathogenesis of these vascular changes. Intensive treatment of vascular dysfunction might be helpful in preventing or retarding the atherosclerotic process in HIV patients.