Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are names for different stages of the same viral infection that impairs a person’s immune system. It has long been understood that there is a link between HIV and the heart.

HIV-positive patients are at greater risk for a variety of heart-related conditions, including pericarditis (an inflammation of the pericardial sac around the heart), pleural effusions (fluid between the lungs and the chest wall), and coronary artery disease. HIV infection doubles the risk of a heart attack, according to recent research.

The reason for this link between HIV and heart-related conditions is unknown, but secondary infections that affect the heart muscle and pericardial sac have a greater chance of occurring in people with compromised immune systems.

Additionally, some of the medications used to treat HIV patients have heart-related side effects. As drug therapy improves and prolongs the lives of HIV and AIDS patients, most researchers believe the number of HIV-positive cardiac cases will rise.

Most physicians rely on physical examinations presenting heart-related symptoms which would prompt a cardiac evaluation. Patients are urged to contact their physician immediately if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or flu-like symptoms.