The Synergistic Effects of Menopause and HIV on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women

The Synergistic Effects of Menopause and HIV on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women

Menopause is associated with the acceleration of many comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease. Whether HIV and menopause together increase cardiovascular disease risk is a key knowledge gap. The goal of this observational study is to address this knowledge gap by looking at the role of menopause on cardiovascular disease risk factors such as insulin resistance, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and carotid atherosclerosis using previously collected data. The investigators will look at underlying causes for cardiovascular diseases worsening in menopausal women with HIV by looking at the role of increased inflammation in the body and whether this is altered by weight. The investigators achieve this by enrolling participants who are willing to undergo a whole body MRI.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 90 non-pregnant women with HIV (approximately 30 in each menopausal phase) from the San Francisco MWCCS site.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who are not virally suppressed (HIV RNA >200 copies/mL)
• Women who are not on antiretroviral therapy
• Women who have a history of hysterectomy or oophorectomy
• Women who are receiving treatment for active cancer or tuberculosis