Stroke in HIV

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018Source: Canadian Journal of CardiologyAuthor(s): Milana Bogorodskaya, Felicia C. Chow, Virginia A. TriantAbstractStroke is a heterogeneous disease in persons living with HIV (PLWH). HIV is thought to increase the risk of stroke through both HIV-related and traditional stroke risk factors, which vary with respect to the patient’s age and clinical characteristics. Numerous studies show that detectable viremia and immunosuppression increase the risk of stroke across all ages while traditional risk factors are more common in the aging HIV population. As PLWH age and acquire traditional stroke risk factors, the prevalence of stroke will likely continue to rise. Large and small vessel disease are the most common causes of stroke, although it is important to evaluate for infectious etiology as well. Research regarding the management of stroke in HIV patients is scant and recommendations often parallel those for the general population. Treatment of HIV and effective reduction of traditional stroke risk factors is important to reduce the risk of stroke in PLWH. Future research will help elucidate the pathophysiology of HIV and stroke risk, investigate sex differences in stroke risk, and evaluate the safety and benefits of standard stroke preventative measures and HIV-specific interventions in this population.
Source: Canadian Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research