Cardiac diseases in AIDS history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]

Pericarditis is the most common clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease in patients with AIDS. However, majority of the cases of pericardial effusion are asymptomatic and are found incidentally on a chest x-ray showing increased cardiac silhouette. Symptoms vary with the type of cardiac disease in AIDS.

History should include details of previous opportunistic infections, risk factors for atherosclerosis, current or past antiretroviral therapy.

• Fever
• Pleuritic chest pain
• Cough (either dry or productive)
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Breathlessness

• Breathlessness (exertional or at rest)
• Swelling of lower limbs
• Fatigue and fainting
• Irregular heart beat

• Fever
• Sweats
• Weakness
• Myalgias
• Arthralgias
• Malaise
• Anorexia
• Fatigue

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina) is the most common symptom.
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue with activity (exertion).

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