Cardiovascular Diseases in HIV-infected Patients HIV-HEART Study: 7.5 Years Follow-up
Cardiovascular Diseases in HIV-infected Patients HIV-HEART Study: 7.5 Years Follow-up
Since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy life expectancy of HIV-infected persons is
 rising. Different cohorts are observing an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases in this
 aging HIV-infected population. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors like smoking are more
 frequent in HIV-infected persons. For example chronic inflammation due to HIV-infection and
 metabolic disorders also caused by some antiretroviral substances as special non-traditional
 risk factors in HIV-infected persons can influence the development of cardiovascular diseases
 additionally. Therefore new research focus in special risk profile associated with
 HIV-infection or antiretroviral treatment and prevention for HIV-infected patients is
 developing.

 This present study is an ongoing prospective regional multicenter trial that was conducted to
 analyse the incidence, prevalence and clinical course of cardiovacular disorders in
 HIV-infected out-patients.

 Cardiac disorders witch are associated with HIV are pericarditis, pleural effusion, pulmonary
 hypertension, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, myocarditis, bacterial endocarditis and
 heart valve disorders. In addition to previously stated disorders of the heart, the premature
 atherosclerosis of coronary arteries, a further even more important disease of the heart in
 this patient population, went into the focus of most HIV-researchers and physicians.
A comprehensive detailed description of the study procedures had been previously published
 (European Journal of medical research 2007;12:243-248).
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age > 18 years

 -  Known HIV-infection

 -  Written informed consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Acute cardiovascular disease

 -  Unstable hemodynamic status in the three weeks before inclusion

 -  Pregnancy