NAPWA

Regular tooth-brushing could help stave off cardiovascular disease, according to a study from Scotland.

Brushing less than twice daily is thought to be a major cause of periodontal diseaseDisease of the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal membrane and the underlying bone. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitisInflammation of the gums (the gingiva) caused by poor oral hygiene. Chronic gingivitis can worsen to become periodontal disease. and the more serious periodontitisDisease of the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal membrane and the underlying bone. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis, is the most common cause of loss of teeth in adults. People with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene., is the most common cause of loss of teeth in adults. People with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene. and may also impair cardiovascular health. read more »

Data from two recent studies suggest that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common manifestation of cardiovascular risk. read more »

Good cardio health is becoming more and more important for people with HIV. Sean Slavin explains why and the steps we can take to improve our prospects. read more »

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of diseases and illnesses of the heart and blood vessels and includes: read more »

• coronary arteryOne of the two arteries that supply the heart with oxygenated blood. disease (narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, which can lead to chest pain [anginatemporary chest pain or a sensation of pressure due to a lack of oxygen supply to the heart. Also called angina pectoris.] or heart attacks)
• cerebrovascular disease (strokes and other problems with blood vessels in the brain)

In December, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) issued a letter alerting clinicians to the potential association between use of their protease inhibitor fosamprenavir (Telzir) and dyslipidemia (abnormal blood fatA fat. levels) and myocardial infarction (heart attackA life-threatening emergency in which the blood supply to the heart is suddenly cut off, causing the heart muscle (myocardium) to die from lack of oxygen.). read more »

A French case-control study has reported an association between exposure to fosamprenavir and an increased risk of heart attackA life-threatening emergency in which the blood supply to the heart is suddenly cut off, causing the heart muscle (myocardium) to die from lack of oxygen.. This may be related to the propensity for this drug classA group of anti-HIV drugs with the same target of action. Anti-HIV drug classesA group of anti-HIV drugs with the same target of action. Anti-HIV drug classes include nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, as well as several others. Combining drugs from three or more classes is the basis of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). include nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, as well as several others. Combining drugs from three or more classes is the basis of Highly Active AntiretroviralA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. Therapy (HAARTHighly Active AntiRetroviral Therapy ??? aggressive treatment of HIV infection using several different drugs together.). to raise blood lipids. read more »

Starting Highly Active AntiretroviralA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. Therapy can improve some of the things that lead to heart problems but not all of them, a recent study has revealed. Arteries which are already thickened or hardened do not improve on treatment. Metabolic complications, including increases in blood levels of lipids, are common in people on treatment and can also contribute to this condition. read more »

John Daye reports on treatments developments from the 16th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Montréal, Canada. read more »

HIV positive? Want to hear the latest about HIV treatments and health? You should, because there have been important developments in HIV treatments over the past year. To catch up with the latest information, watch a webcast of a community treatment update held in Sydney on 25 November. read more »

Abacavir should be avoided by people who are in the high cardiovascular risk group. read more »