HIV Patients' Cardiovascular Risk Linked to Waist and Triglyceride Levels
Author Information
Author(s): Janiszewski Peter M., Ross Robert, Despres Jean-Pierre, Lemieux Isabelle, Orlando Gabriella, Carli Federica, Bagni Pietro, Menozzi Marianna, Zona Stefano, Guaraldi Giovanni
Primary Institution: Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Hypothesis
Can waist circumference and triglyceride levels effectively identify high-risk HIV-infected patients?
Conclusion
A simple tool combining waist circumference and triglyceride levels can discriminate high- from low-risk HIV-infected patients.
Supporting Evidence
- HIV-infected men with high triglycerides and waist circumference had the highest visceral fat and metabolic syndrome prevalence.
- Women with high triglycerides and waist circumference also showed increased cardiovascular risk factors.
- The study included a large sample size of 2322 HIV-infected patients.
- Waist circumference and triglyceride levels were effective in identifying high-risk patients.
- Patients with low waist circumference and triglycerides were largely protected from cardiovascular risks.
Takeaway
Doctors can use waist size and triglyceride levels to tell if HIV patients are at risk for heart problems.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study assessing waist circumference and triglyceride levels in HIV-infected patients.
Potential Biases
Patients were referred to a specialized clinic, which may indicate greater disease severity than the general HIV population.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to predict future disease risk, and findings may not be generalizable to all HIV patients.
Participant Demographics
1481 men and 841 women, all HIV-infected, recruited from a metabolic clinic in Italy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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