Researchers have shown that HIV patients taking protease inhibitor therapy may be at risk for
heart attacks. In their study, four men between the ages of 35 and 44 have had
heart attacks after two years of therapy. Although no link has
been proven, researchers fear that the life-extending anti-HIV
drugs may cause cardiovascular disease. HIV patients often
experience side effects such as lipodystrophy, diabetes, and high
cholesterol, because of antiviral drugs. High cholesterol is
also a major risk factor for heart disease, according to the
American Heart Association.
In a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin, researchers discovered that protease inhibitors may cause changes that lead to heart disease. Dr. James Sosman of the University of Wisconsin found that heart disease is a significant side effect of the drugs, which affect the endothelium, or the lining of the blood vessels. The researchers, who presented their findings to a meeting of the American Heart Association, used ultrasound to image blood flow in the arteries of 21 HIV-infected patients who were taking protease inhibitors. Compared to seven patients not taking the drugs, the endothelial linings of the protease patients were not functioning properly.
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