Fat Changes Can Predict Cardiac Risk

Fat redistribution is linked with increased cardiac risks in HIV-positive women, according to a report in the May 1 issue of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes written by researchers from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. In particular, a buildup of abdominal and hip fat as well as increased fatty deposits around internal organs signify greater cardiovascular risks, according to the study of 100 HIV-positive and 75 HIV-negative women. The body composition studies showed that the HIV-positive women had higher levels of trunk and visceral fat and a higher waist-to-hip ratio than HIV-negative women. These higher levels were linked with elevated C-reactive protein counts, which is a key marker for cardiovascular complications. The researchers urge doctors to watch their female HIV patients closely for body fat changes.