Putting heart attack risk into perspective

In the 1980s, people in high-income countries who became HIV positive had about 10 years before succumbing to dreadful AIDS-related infections and eventual death. But in 1996, HAART became available and the spectre of many AIDS-related deaths gradually receded. Today, HIV positive people who have minimal co-existing health conditions and who are engaged in their care and treatment will likely have near-normal life spans. This benefit should not be overlooked in the race to find the cause of heart attacks in some HIV positive people. Moreover, the numerous benefits of HAART continue to outweigh side effects.