What does it say?
* People suffering from the HIV infection have compromised immunity
* They are at a greater risk of a sudden cardiac arrest. It was also found that HIV patients have very low number of CD4+ T cells and are more prone to blood clots in the lungs, which could lead to a sudden stroke.
* Symptoms such as fatigue, leg swelling, shortness of breath, and chest pain should not be ignored.
Dr SS Sibia, Senior Cardiologist & Founder, Sibia Medical Centre, Ludhiana
What we know based on research is just the tip of the ice-burg. There is a lot more to be learnt, and for now, people with HIV and those without it, are equally susceptible to heart diseases. There is nothing to prove that the virus suppresses the immune system and triggers heart ailments. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (for all) is a must to keep the heart healthy. Coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) etc. are risk factors everybody should watch out for, not just people with HIV.
For
Immunity is suppressed
Dr Neha Mishra, Consultant Infectious Disease, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru
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