[HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome. Stress for the psyche and heart].

The HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome is a new disease entity and a result of the otherwise successful antiretroviral therapy. It consists of metabolic disorders which may in part lead to an increased cardiovascular risk or hyperlactatemia resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. The change in body shape is often disfiguring and diminishes the quality of life of the affected individual substantially. The present paper reviews the current options and limits to treat the various components of the syndrome.