Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of diseases and illnesses of the heart and blood vessels and includes:

• coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, which can lead to chest pain [angina] or heart attacks)
• cerebrovascular disease (strokes and other problems with blood vessels in the brain)
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• peripheral vascular disease (blocked blood vessels in the legs)
  

Changes in blood lipids (fats) are associated with both HIV infection and antiretroviral (ARV) treatments and with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Both HIV infection and ARV treatment can change the cholesterol levels in your blood and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.