Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Mellin, J.
Effects of HIV/AIDS and Antiretroviral Therapy on the Cardiovascular System - A review of current literature
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit/Master Thesis (UNI) ] Graz Medical University; 2015. pp.74.
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Goswami Nandu
- Stelzl Evelyn
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background: HIV/AIDS and cardiovascular diseases are both among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. While HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) has significantly decreased the mortality and morbidity among HIV-infected individuals, the immunodeficiency virus and antiretroviral therapy have lately both been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is questionable whether the pathogenesis follows the same pathway as in the general population or if additional HIV and ART-specific factors further accelerate the development of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Objectives: The aim of this diploma thesis is to compare available information about the effects of HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy on the cardiovascular system from secondary literature such as textbooks to the current primary literature found in medical databases and science journals. Methodology: Standard English and German textbooks on “Physiology”, “Pathology” “Microbiology” and “Endothelial Biomedicine” were used as secondary literature (complemented by current guidelines where applicable). A systematic literature search of medical databases with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria provided the relevant primary literature for the review. Results: Of 600 article titles that were evaluated, 85 full text articles and their references were reviewed for this diploma thesis. Discussion: The etiology of cardiovascular diseases in HIV-infected individuals with or without antiretroviral therapy is most likely multifactorial. The involved mechanisms remain mostly unclear. The effects of HIV/ART and ART on vascular function, traditional cardiovascular risk factors as well as “emerging” risk factors seem to play an important role. Many studies from developed countries have associated HIV and ART with an increased degree of endothelial dysfunction and early atherosclerotic changes in comparison to healthy controls. Unfortunately studies from Africa, the most affected region of this world, are very scarce. The impact of geographical and ethnical differences therefore remains to be explored.