HIV-Infected Have Thicker Carotid Artery Walls--Predictor Of Heart Attack & Stroke

With the advent of antiretroviral medication, HIV patients are living longer and facing yet another health challenge. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) -- a potent predictor of heart attack and stroke -- is significantly higher in HIV-infected patients compared to uninfected controls, according to study results from UCSF researchers. In addition after one year of follow-up, carotid artery IMT progressed significantly faster in HIV-infected individuals.