Incidence of the involvement of the cardiovascular system in HIV infection

The epidemiology of cardiac complications related to HIV, including cardiomyopathy, increased left ventricular mass, myocarditis, pericardial effusion, endocarditis, and malignancy, are discussed. An increased number of HIV-infected individuals may present with cardiac complications in the next decade as chronic viral infection, coinfections, drug therapy, and immunosuppression affect the heart. Understanding the nature and course of cardiac illness related to HIV infection may allow appropriate monitoring, early intervention and therapy, and will provide a baseline to evaluate the effects of new therapeutic regimens such as highly active antiretroviral therapy on the cardiovascular system. (C) 2003 Lippincott Williams Wilkins.