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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Screening and management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in HIV-positive patients attending an Australian urban sexual health clinic

Sheena Kakar A , Douglas Drak B , Tahiya Amin C , Jason Cheung D , Catherine O’Connor A E F and David Gracey D F G
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A RPA Sexual Health Clinic, Community Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.

B Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

C Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.

D Renal Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.

E Kirby Institute, UNSW, NSW 2052, Australia.

F Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

G Corresponding author. Email: david.gracey@sswahs.nsw.gov.au

Sexual Health 14(2) 198-200 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH16106
Submitted: 2 June 2016  Accepted: 27 September 2016   Published: 11 November 2016

Abstract

Background: Few data exist regarding cardiovascular risk among HIV-infected patients attending sexual health clinics (SHC) in Australia. Methods: The medical records of 188 patients attending an inner-city SHC between August 2013 and July 2014 were retrospectively reviewed for cardiovascular risk factors and associated screening and management practices. Results: Cardiovascular risk factors were common among attendees of the SHC, including smoking (38%), hypertension (14%) and dyslipidaemia (11%). Of the 188 patients, 23% reported using potentially cardiotoxic recreational drugs, 25% of dyslipidaemic patients were not on therapy and 10% of patients were hypertensive; none were prescribed treatment. A smoking cessation program was offered to all patients. Conclusion: A high prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease was demonstrated. Modification of risk factors could be improved.


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