Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I was wondering how things like DVT(deep vein thrombosis), various blood disorders(not viral or bacterial), strokes and heart problems can affect someone who has HIV. Specifically how these things may(or may not) complicate symptoms of HIV.
Ross Slotten, M.D.
Klein and Slotten Medical Associates
Private Practice in Family Medicine
With a special interest in HIV disease
You are wondering how medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), heart attack and stroke can affect someone with HIV/AIDS. However, I think you want to reverse the question: How does HIV impact the risk of DVTs, heart attacks and strokes? People with HIV infection may suffer from so-called clotting disorders. That is, they may have a tendency not to clot effectively or to clot too effectively. Those who don't clot effectively may have something called a lupus anticoagulant circulating in their blood. The lupus anticoagulant is an antibody directed at factors that clot the blood. Such people may be at risk for bleeding excessively, especially if they are undergoing surgical procedures. In the days before antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of this anticoagulant was 20-60%; successful treatment of HIV has reduced this incidence significantly.
The opposite problem is also fairly common and does not seem to be related to the stage of HIV infection. In fact, even people with well-controlled HIV infection may have an increased tendency to clot. The most common problem to develop is a DVT.
Elevations of total cholesterol and the bad cholesterol, LDL, as a result of HIV treatment are another concern. Studies suggest that patients with such elevations may be at higher risk of strokes and heart attacks, though this hasn't been proven. However, despite this potential risk, the benefits of HIV medication FAR outweigh the downside. Smokers should note the following: cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, and a tendency to clot together potentially increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. So if you smoke, STOP!
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