heart disease

Drugs linked to heart risks, minimal

Graham Stocks — Wed, 25 May 2011 23:36:20 -0700

A Canadian study has associated abacavir, efavirenz, lopinavir and ritonavir with an increased risk of heart attackA life-threatening emergency in which the blood supply to the heart is suddenly cut off, causing the heart muscle (myocardium) to die from lack of oxygen.. The research also showed that patients with HIV had twice the risk of heart attack compared to matched HIV
negative controls.

HIV and your ticker

Graham Stocks — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:48:46 -0800

HIV has a residual inflammatory effect on your body so, over a lifetime, body organs like the heart have to work a little bit harder.

HIV also affects the body’s metabolism in ways that add to the risk of heart disease and some HIV treatments increase these underlying risks. These include increased cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effect of some anti-HIV medications. levels and blood fatsA type of fat in the blood. Elevated triglyceride levels may be a side effect of some anti-HIV drugs..

Brush your teeth for a healthy heart

Graham Stocks — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:56:53 -0700

Regular tooth-brushing could help stave off cardiovascular disease, according to a study from Scotland.

Brushing less than twice daily is thought to be a major cause of periodontal diseaseDisease of the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal membrane and the underlying bone. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis, is the most common cause of loss of teeth in adults. People with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene. and may also impair cardiovascular health.

Ageing, long-term complications and nutrition

Graham Stocks — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:50:30 -0700

Reporting back from the AIDS Conference in Vienna, DAVID MENADUE discovers that ‘HIV and ageing’ is a universal issue, that long-term complications may be more prevalent than we thought and that good nutrition really is a good idea.

Erectile dysfunction linked to cardio risk

Graham Stocks — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:23:32 -0700

Data from two recent studies suggest that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common manifestation of cardiovascular risk.

Steps towards a healthy heart

Graham Stocks — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:16:35 -0700

Good cardio health is becoming more and more important for people with HIV. Sean Slavin explains why and the steps we can take to improve our prospects.

Cardiovascular Health

Graham Stocks — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:53:09 -0700

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of diseases and illnesses of the heart and blood vessels and includes:

coronary arteryOne of the two arteries that supply the heart with oxygenated blood. disease (narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, which can lead to chest pain [anginatemporary chest pain or a sensation of pressure due to a lack of oxygen supply to the heart. Also called angina pectoris.] or heart attacks)
cerebrovascular disease (strokes and other problems with blood vessels in the brain)

Fosamprenavir linked to heart problems

Graham Stocks — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:34:59 -0800

In December, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) issued a letter alerting clinicians to the potential association between use of their protease inhibitor fosamprenavir (Telzir) and dyslipidemia (abnormal blood fatA fat. levels) and myocardial infarction (heart attackA life-threatening emergency in which the blood supply to the heart is suddenly cut off, causing the heart muscle (myocardium) to die from lack of oxygen.).

Fosamprenavir linked to cardio risk

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:38:48 -0700

A French case-control study has reported an association between exposure to fosamprenavir and an increased risk of heart attackA life-threatening emergency in which the blood supply to the heart is suddenly cut off, causing the heart muscle (myocardium) to die from lack of oxygen.. This may be related to the propensity for this drug classA group of anti-HIV drugs with the same target of action. Anti-HIV drug classes include nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, as well as several others. Combining drugs from three or more classes is the basis of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). to raise blood lipids.

HAART on the heart

Jill Sergeant — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:20:40 -0700

Starting Highly Active AntiretroviralA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. Therapy can improve some of the things that lead to heart problems but not all of them, a recent study has revealed. Arteries which are already thickened or hardened do not improve on treatment. Metabolic complications, including increases in blood levels of lipids, are common in people on treatment and can also contribute to this condition.