OBJECTIVE: This study described the anthropometric, clinical and dietary markers associated with cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected persons. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done with 100 adults with HIV/Aids from Rio de Janeiro City. The cardiovascular risk was estimated by the Framingham risk score. Dietary intake was evaluated by a 24-hour dietary recall and a food frequency questionnaire. Variables were compared by the Student's t- and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Most of the patients were males (63%) with a mean age of 41.8 years, SD=9.6 years and 77% were taking antiretroviral drugs. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 52%, overweight, 47%, and 53% had a Framingham risk score >10%. The main cardiovascular risk factors potentially modifiable were: low high-density lipoprotein (70%), high cholesterol (35%), hypertension (35%), smoking (23%) and high blood glucose level (21%). Persons with Framingham risk score >10% had a tendency to consume diets high in cholesterol (p=0.720), sodium (p=0.898), sugar/sugary foods (p=0.032) and low in fiber (p=0.273), and consumed more alcoholic beverages (p=0.053). Lifestyle assessment revealed higher smoking prevalence and low levels of physical activity in the group with Framingham risk score >10, but the differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that patients with HIV/Aids under the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy and higher Framingham risk score do not follow the recommendations for the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, reinforcing the need of encouraging them to make lifelong healthy food choices, stop smoking and increase their levels of physical activity.
Anthropometric; Diet; Cardiovascular diseases; HIV; Primary prevention
