Elevated triglycerides in an HIV+ person

Posted By Larry on May 21, 1998 at 11:55:07:







My question is whether I have an elevated risk of heart disease or
arteriosclerosis given my health history.
For the last 8 months, my triglyceride levels have fluctuated between
800 and 1000.  My cholesterol levels have been stable, around 180.  I have
neither a high fat nor a low fat diet.  There is no history of early
heart disease in my family.  I am male, 39, 10-15% body fat, and very physically
active (run 20+ miles/week at 8 minute/mile pace and play vigorous tennis
4 hours/week).  I am HIV+, since at least November 1985.  My current
CD4 count is 1200 and my current CD8 count is 1700.  My CD4 count has never
been below 400.  My current viral load is below 400.  I have never had
an opportunistic infection.
I am currently taking the following anti-viral medications: Fortovase,
Norvir, d4t, and 3tc.  I have been taking Fortovase and Norvir for over
13 months.  The high triglyceride levels did not appear until several
months after I began taking those medications.  I highly suspect that
Fortovase and/or Norvir are causing the high levels because I have changed
the other medications without affecting those levels.
I also take a number of nutritional supplements, including
antioxidants like Vitamin E.
If my risk for heart disease and/or arteriosclerosis is significantly
higher because of the elevated triglyceride levels, then I'll consider
changing medications.
Thanks very much.