NAPWA

The purpose of taking a fish oil supplement is to give you a good dose of the cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liverA large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterol, and removes toxins from the blood., and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effectAn unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs. Onset may be sudden or develop over time. of some anti-HIV medications. lowering omega-3 essential fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon and sardines are good sources of both of these as are those small shrimp-like crustaceans called krill. read more »

The 19th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (Croi) was held in Seattle in march. Here are some important highlights. read more »

A Canadian study has associated abacavir, efavirenz, lopinavir and ritonavir with 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.. The research also showed that patients with HIV had twice the risk of heart attack compared to matched HIV
negative controls. read more »

HIV has a residual inflammatory effect on your body so, over a lifetime, body organs like the heart have to work a little bit harder.

HIV also affects the body’s metabolism in ways that add to the risk of heart disease and some HIV treatments increase these underlying risks. These include increased cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liverA large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterol, and removes toxins from the blood., and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effectAn unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs. Onset may be sudden or develop over time. of some anti-HIV medications. levels and blood fatsA type of fat in the blood. Elevated triglyceride levels may be a side effectAny undesired actions or effects of a drug or treatment. Negative or adverse effects may include headache, nausea, hair loss, skin irritation, or other physical problems. Experimental drugs must be evaluated for both immediate and long-term side effects. of some anti-HIV drugs.. read more »

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 »

Reporting back from the AIDS Conference in Vienna, DAVID MENADUE discovers that ‘HIV and ageing’ is a universal issue, that long-term complications may be more prevalent than we thought and that good nutrition really is a good idea. 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 »