Neurocognitive and cardiovascular diseases are relevant problems in HIV-infected patients in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. Current knowledge suggests a possible link between cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients.

We report a clinical case showing a correlation between cardiovascular risk factors and lower baseline cognitive performance. We evaluated cardiovascular assessment with Framingham risk score (FRS), carotid ultrasound and anthropometric measures; cognitive status was analyzed using 8-test neurocognitive battery.

Cardiovascular risk and neurocognitive impairment were closely related in our patient. Increased use of cardiovascular and neurocognitive evaluation tests can help in the clinical practice to quickly identify those needing therapeutic interventions, in order to delay disease progression.