Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease for People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Nurs Clin North Am. 2024 Jun;59(2):219-233. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2023.12.001. Epub 2024 Mar 15.

Abstract

People living with HIV (PLWH) have a risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that is 1.5 to 2 times higher than the general population owing to traditional risk factors, HIV-mediated factors like chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, and exposure to antiretroviral therapy. Currently available CVD risk estimation calculators tend to underestimate risk in PLWH but can be useful when an individual's HIV history is considered. Improving modifiable risks is the primary intervention for reducing CVD risk in PLWH. Statin therapy is important for specific individuals, but attention should be given to drug interactions with antiretroviral agents used to treat HIV.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Human immunodeficiency virus; Primary prevention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Primary Prevention* / methods
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Anti-HIV Agents