Aging and HIV infection: focus on cardiovascular disease risk.

Abstract

Effective antiretroviral therapy has extended life expectancy for individuals with HIV. Estimates from 2015 indicate that 47% of persons with HIV in the US were older than 50 years of age and 16% were older than 65 years. These older patients are at increased risk of age-related diseases and conditions. Further, there is substantial evidence that patients with HIV infection accumulate age-related conditions earlier than do those in the general population. There is risk for increased comorbidities and polypharmacy in the aging HIV-infected population. Specific measures for assessing and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions in the aging HIV population are needed. This article summarizes a presentation by Judith A. Aberg, MD, at the International Antiviral Society-USA (IAS-USA) annual continuing education program held in Chicago, Illinois, in May 2019.