Cardiac Care Must Become Integral to Long-Term HIV Treatment

Medical experts emphasize that cardiac care must become an integral part of long-term HIV treatment strategies globally. Cardiovascular disease has emerged as a significant cause of illness and premature death among individuals with HIV who receive effective antiretroviral therapy. Traditional risk factors like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking are more prevalent in this population, while HIV itself accelerates biological aging and elevates the risk of atherosclerosis through chronic inflammation.

Recent clinical research, including the REPRIEVE study, demonstrated that treatment with pitavastatin significantly reduced initial cardiovascular events in HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy. The benefits of statins extend beyond cholesterol reduction to improve vascular function and regulate immune and metabolic systems affected by the virus. However, a substantial risk of cardiovascular disease persists even in patients taking statins, pointing to complex underlying physiological mechanisms.

Studies in the United States show that integrase inhibitors significantly lower the risk of major cardiovascular events or coronary artery disease compared to alternative HIV treatment regimens. Key HIV-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease include prolonged infection duration, delayed treatment initiation, and exposure to older antiretroviral drugs. Integrating proactive cardiac monitoring into routine clinical protocols helps mitigate these long-term risks for patients in India and worldwide.