About AIDS

Heart disease is the fastest-growing cause of death among HIV-positive people. Today's powerful anti-HIV medications that make up Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy have enabled poz people to live healthier and longer lives. However, HAART and long-term HIV infection both exact a price in various forms of heart disease.

Many HIV medications cause lipodystrophy. Basically, the body loses its ability to regulate lipids (fats), especially cholesterol and triglycerides. They clog the arteries and heart passages, just as with old age and a fatty diet. Regardless of age, HIVers who have been in treatment for a long time face serious risk. HIV itself also can damage heart muscle, and the longer the infection, the greater the chance of coronary complications.

On Thursday, April 28, AIDS Services of Austin's Dining With the Expert program will explore this growing phenomenon. Our guest speaker will be the very dynamic and knowledgeable Larry Wolf from Chicago, head of patient education for pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Meyers-Squibb. Larry will get to the heart of the matter – and what to do about it.

The presentation will be given in English, but simultaneous translation will be provided for Spanish-monolingual attendees.

Dinner with Larry Wolf will be at 6pm on Thursday evening, April 28. ASA is located at 7215 Cameron Rd. (just north of St. Johns). The evening is free, thanks to the generous sponsorship of BMS. Seating is limited, so please let us save you a place: Call ASA's reception desk at 458-AIDS (458-2437) or e-mail [email protected].