Cardiovascular disease in women with HIV-1 infection

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in women, nevertheless it is often underestimated in femalepatients without overt risk factors. The chronic infection by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is clearly as-sociated, along with the use of certain antiretroviral drugs and traditional risk factors, with an increased risk ofcardiovascular diseases. The aim of this manuscript is to review the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, di-agnostic approach, primary and secondary prevention strategies of cardiovascular disease in HIV-negative andHIV-positive female subjects. The ultimate goal is to promote knowledge and development of specific and appro-priate clinical interventions and guidelines in this group of high-risk patients, mostly in view of the expectedgrowth of ageing females with HIV.