Objective: To investigate whether the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is associated with an increased incidence of myocardial infarctions (MI) in HIV infected patients.
Design: Retrospective analysis of a cohort of 4993 HIV infected patients treated at our hospital between January, 1 1983 and December, 31 1998. The incidence of myocardial infarctions during 4 observation periods with different antiretroviral treatment strategies are compared. Possible risk factors for MI are evaluated by univariate analysis and using a multiple regression model.
Results: 29 patients with MI were diagnosed between 1983 and 1998. The incidence of MI per 1000 patient-years increased from 0.86 (1983-86), 1.14 (1987-90), 0.59 (1991-94) to 3.41 (1995-98) respectively (p = 0.002). Age >40, previous HAART therapy, homo-, or bisexual mode of HIV transmission and previous AIDS diagnosis were significantly associated with MI in univariate analysis. Age >40 and previous HAART therapy remained significantly associated with MI in a multiple regression model.
Conclusion: The incidence of MI in HIV infected patients increased in our cohort after the introduction of HAART.