First Advisor
Dunemn, Kathleen
Second Advisor
Sullivan, Katherine
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Document Type
Capstone
Date Created
12-2017
Department
College of Natural and Health Sciences, Nursing, Nursing Student Work
Abstract
As modern medicine allows for an increase in lifespan, patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) face the same chronic health issues as other aging adults. Among the top killers of older adult HIV patients is atherosclerosis. The following review of literature will support the belief that HIV patients are at a higher risk for atherosclerosis due to their chronic inflammatory state. This state in which the immune response is elevated for a prolonged period of time provides an optimal environment for the development of atherosclerotic plaques, as the research evidence will demonstrate. The following guideline has been designed to assist providers in assessing an individual’s risk and appropriate interventions in order to preserve the quality of life that this population cherishes deeply. There has been a growing interest in this topic as anti-retroviral therapy (ART) becomes more targeted and effective. The importance of this guideline is to identify high risk patients and equip providers with the knowledge to implement appropriate interventions as quickly as possible. Early intervention will drastically decrease the levels of atherosclerotic plaques in HIV positive patients. In conjunction with lifestyle modifications, adherence to anti-retroviral therapy and initiating statin therapy if appropriate, these high risk patients would be adequately prepared for the aging process.
Extent
42 pages
Local Identifiers
HeathCapstone2017.pdf
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by the author.
Digital Origin
Born digital
Recommended Citation
Heath, Margaret, "Atherosclerosis in HIV Positive Patients: A Clinical Practice Guideline for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Treatment" (2017). Doctoral Capstones & Scholarly Projects. 44.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/capstones/44