Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I am a 55 year old male who discovered his HIV status in 1986. I have been on a regimen of Crixivan, 3TC, and Videx EC for 8 years. My viral load has remained undectable for this length of time. My CD4 count has risen from 0 to nearly normal in this time.
I developed osteoporosis 6 years ago and am taking Fosomax as well as testosterone for this condition. My bone density has improved since the beginning of this treatment.
I also have COPD as a result of smoking and asthma. I no longer smoke (stopped over one year ago). For this, I take Albuterol, Advair, and Singulair. I am in good health. I have experienced though an increased heart rate. My resting heart rate is usually around 95 BPM. I have attributed this to the use of Albuterol as have my physicians. However, I am now aware of the increase in myocardial infarctions amongst my group of HIVers. I recently read that one has a 28% increased chance of having a heart attack for each and every year one is taking protease inhibitors. It was suggested that an ultrasound be performed to determine the thickness of the cardiac arteries to assess the chances of heart disease.
My primary care doctor does not routinely perform a lipid study when I get blood work. The last test was in 9/03 which showed a slight increase in cholesterol.
Should I be concered of the potential for heart disease and is there anything I can suggest to my primary care doctor to do to assess my cardiac status? Should lipid levels be performed as part of my routine blood testing every 6-8 weeks?
Marty Markowitz, M. D.
Clinical Director
Staff Investigator, Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center
Associate Professor, Rockefeller University
Lipid profile should be part of your routine care.
The cardiac complication data remains incomplete and controversial.
Nevertheless....as you age your risk of cardiac disease increases....
To reduce your risk you should:
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