Link Between Low CD4-Cell Count and Increased Risk for Coronary Artery Disease Questioned

Data from the DAD Study showed no increased risk for myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease with low CD4-cell counts, and only a modestly increased risk for stroke.

Although it is has become dogma that HIV-associated immune suppression is linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease, the data supporting that view have been mixed. In a recent analysis from the DAD Study, researchers evaluated associations between latest/nadir CD4-cell counts — as well as time spent with CD4 count <200 cells/mm³ — and incident cardiovascular disease (i.e., myocardial infarction [MI], coronary artery disease [CAD], stroke, or a combination [cardiovascular disease; CVD]). By February 1, 2011, the 49,000 HIV-infected patients in the DAD cohort had experienced 716 MIs, 1056 CAD events, 303 strokes, and 1284 CVD events.

After adjustment for potential cofounders (sex, age, previous CVD, body-mass index, smoking status, a…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Link Between Low CD4-Cell Count and Increased Risk for Coronary Artery Disease Questioned

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Reviewing Author