HIV Infection Itself May Not Be Associated With Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease Among African Americans Without Cardiovascular Symptoms

Abstract

Overall, HIV infection, per se, was not associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in this population. Cocaine use was prevalent in both HIV-infected and -uninfected individuals and itself was associated with subclinical disease. In addition, cocaine significantly elevated the risk for ART-associated subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. Treating cocaine addiction must be a high priority for managing HIV disease and preventing HIV/ART-associated subclinical and clinical CAD in individuals with HIV infection.