Prevalence and risk factors of stroke in patients with HIV infection

Stroke in patients with HIV infection is a significant medical problem associated with a number of specific risk factors and increased prevalence compared to the general population. In recent decades, improvements in antiretroviral therapy have significantly increased the life expectancy of HIV patients, which has led to an increase in chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular. The prevalence of stroke in HIV patients is significantly higher, which is due to the multifactorial nature of stroke, including both HIV­specific mechanisms and traditional risk factors. Risk factors for stroke in HIV patients include age, duration of infection, high viral load, low CD4 cell count, the presence of concomitant diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and smoking. In addition, certain types of antiretroviral therapy may increase the risk. To reduce the risk of stroke in HIV patients, a comprehensive approach is needed, including control of viral load, regular monitoring of cardiovascular health, lifestyle changes and correction of risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Objective: to review the current literature on the problem of stroke in HIV infection in terms of prevalence and risk factors.