ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HIV INFECTION AND CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS: CLINICAL IMPLICAÇÕES

Abstract

The association between HIV infection and cardiovascular complications has been the subject of increasing interest due to the increase in survival of HIV patients due to advances in antiretroviral treatment. Studies suggest that HIV-positive individuals have a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. Proposed mechanisms include direct effects of HIV in the cardiovascular system, indirect effects related to chronic inflammation and collateral effects of antiretroviral medications. Objective: to critically analyze recent studies that investigate the relationship between HIV infection and cardiovascular complications, identifying risk factors, clinical impacts and management strategies. Methodology: The PRISMA checklist was used to guide this systematic review. Articles were selected in the databases PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science, such as the descriptors "HIV", "cardiovascular complications", "risk factors", "antiretroviral therapy", and "systematic review". Criteria include studies published in the last 10 years, peer-reviewed articles, and focus on the association between HIV and cardiovascular complications. Exclusion criteria would include duplicate studies, unrelated to the topic and with small samples. Results: revealed a significant correlation between HIV and higher incidence of cardiovascular events, especially in younger patients. Identified risk factors included advanced health, prolonged duration of HIV infection, and use of certain antiretroviral medications. Management strategies emphasize the importance of early metabolic and cardiovascular control, in addition to interventions to reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: This review highlights the need for continuous surveillance and preventive interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HIV, integrating clinical care and effective treatment strategies.