CD4 and infection: [13, 28–30] Also, because greater risk of vascular events is often noted after initiation of cART in patients with low CD4 counts compared to starting it when CD4 counts are higher, [21, 31] more recent event rates may be lower as greater emphasis is given to start cART earlier in the course of the infection.[32] The higher prevalence of vascular risk factors among HIV+ individuals included in this study (Table D in S1 File) or HIV+ individuals in the US (Table L in S1 File) compared to uninfected referent populations may be another contributor to the disparity in vascular risks.