The Body Pro: Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Metabolic Complications in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving HAART

Metabolic and morphological changes, collectively referred to as lipodystrophy, are prevalent among HIVinfected individuals treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). The morphological changes associated with lipodystrophy cannot only be highly stigmatizing, but the metabolic manifestations of lipodystrophy may contribute to a range of morbidities, most notably premature heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, patients who are anxious about developing lipodystrophy may risk HIV disease progression by delaying the commencement of therapy or by stopping ongoing therapy in an attempt to manage these issues. However, the incidence of these treatment-associated adverse changes may be minimized through prudent drug selection at treatment initiation and proactive treatment modification.