Faculty Bibliography

Many patients with HIV infection, as well as those without this disease, may have coronary heart disease (CHD) or be at high risk for this condition. The high prevalence of and risk of CHD among patients with HIV infection are generally caused by traditional risk factors that can be readily managed with currently available therapies. New tools are also available for functional imaging and establishing diagnoses and prognoses in patients who do experience coronary events. Management of these persons requires careful attention to patient characteristics that may influence therapeutic outcomes

Women 65 years of age and older are the fastest growing segment of the population. As women age, physical inactivity is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality due to coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. There is also a loss of both physiologic and psychological capabilities that contributes to an overall reduction in function and independent living. Regular physical activity in geriatric women has been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality. Further research needs to be done to evaluate the role of regular physical activity in the management of diabetes and hyperlipidemia