HIV may increase risks of stroke

New research may have found a link between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and stroke instances. The research shows individuals infected with HIV may notice up to three times the risk of having a stroke when compared to those who do not have HIV.

The study analyzed all stroke victims hospitalized over the past 10 years in the United States. Total number of stroke cases was near 72,000.

The number of cases of stroke among HIV-infected individuals increased by more than 530 cases over the 10 year period.

Stroke instances occur most likely in individuals with HIV in their 50s, much sooner when compared to people who do not have HIV. Based on that find, researchers believe the infection or treatments related to the infection may increase the risk of stroke.

Other experts explain as an individual is infected with HIV over a long period of time, the virus itself may directly increase risks of stroke.

This study can be found online in Neurology.