DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i04.010

Pages: 1220-1223

Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome was first recognized in the United States in 1981. In 1983, Human Immuno Deficiency Virus was isolated and in 1984 it was demonstrated clearly to be the causative agent of AIDS. India's first case of AIDS was reported in 1986 from Chennai. From the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, it was recognized first at autopsy and later by non-invasive techniques that HIV infection can cause cardiac abnormalities. The aim of the study is To assess electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in HIV infected individuals. A total of 200 patients were randomly chosen from the Anti-Retro viral Therapy clinic. After excluding fifty patients, Remaining 150 patients were divided into two groups depending on the CD4 count. Group I included patients with CD4 count ≤ 350 cells / mm3. Group II included patients with CD4 count > 350 cells / mm3. All patients were subjected to a questionnaire to assess the risks of acquiring HIV, risk factors for cardiac disease and symptomatology of cardiac illness. A thorough clinical examination of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, abdomen and central nervous system was done. CD4 count, ECG was done for all patients. Prevalence of ECG abnormalities was 14.7% in our study. Low voltage complex was the most common electrocardiographic abnormality. ECG abnormalities were specifically correlated with CD4 counts. In this study 14 out of 51 patients with CD4 counts ≤ 350/mm3 and8 out of 99 patients with CD4 counts of > 350/mm3 had ECG abnormalities. Present study recommends screening for cardiac abnormalities in HIV patients to identify early cardiac involvement and minimize cardiac complications by early intervention.