Objectives: To verify the frequency of cardiac diastolic dysfunction in vertically HIV-infected symptomatic and clinically stable children, but asymptomatic from the cardiovascular point of view. To explore the association of the diastolic dysfunction with the immunological status and to evaluate malnutrition and anaemia as associated causes.

Methodology: This observational, cross-sectional and exploratory study was carried out at a regional outpatient centre for Paediatric AIDS care. Ninety four (94) children, from 20.3 to 170.6 months of age, consisting of a convenient and non-probabilistic sample, had their weight, blood hemoglobin level, CD4+, T-lymphocytes percentage and diastolic biventricular function (by Doppler echocardiography) evaluated. The study was approved by the institution ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from the children’s parents or relatives.

Results: Fifty (50) children (54.3%, 95% CI, 44.1% to 64.5%) showed diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 38.4% of the studied group (95% CI, 28.8% to 48.6%), with a prevalence of decreased myocardial compliance. Right ventricular dysfunction occurred in 29.4% of the children (95% CI, 20.1% to 38.7%), with an incidence of abnormal relaxation. Simultaneous biventricular dysfunction occurred in 14.1% of the group (95% CI, 7.0% to 21.2%). No association with the immunological status was observed.

Conclusions: Cardiac diastolic dysfunction occurs in HIV-infected children, asymptomatic from the cardiovascular point of view, with no association with the immunological status. Myocardial compliance impairment and abnormal relaxation are the most common dysfunctions associated with the left and right ventricles, respectively. No relationship was found between diastolic dysfunction and malnutrition and anaemia.