The cardiac manifestations of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

This article reviews the cardiac manifestations of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (AIDS) as reported in the literature. These abnormalities were examined with regard to incidence, clinical presentation, and possible etiologies. Review of the literature revealed that cardiac abnormalities occur frequently in persons with AIDS; involve the heart valves, myocardium, and pericardium; and, in many cases, may not arouse clinical suspicion. Because the cardiac sequelae that may occur during the course of the disease can be life-threatening, the nurse must be alert to the possibility of cardiac involvement and initiate prompt intervention when cardiac complications occur.