# Antiviral Drugs in HIV and Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Implications

## TL;DR

People with HIV face a higher risk of heart disease due to a mix of factors including HIV medications and immune system issues, requiring tailored prevention strategies.

## Contribution

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms linking HIV and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the role of antiretroviral therapy and immune activation.

## Key findings

- PWH have a 1.2–2-fold higher risk of myocardial infarction compared to HIV-negative individuals.
- Chronic immune activation and inflammation are key pathophysiological mechanisms linking HIV and CVD.
- Optimizing ART regimens is crucial to minimize adverse metabolic effects and reduce cardiovascular risk.

## Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly recognized as a significant comorbidity in people living with HIV (PWH), contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological studies indicate that PWH have a 1.2–2-fold higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and other CVD events compared to HIV-negative individuals. While the mechanisms underlying HIV-associated CVD are not fully understood, they are likely to include a combination of cardiovascular-related adverse effects of HIV medications, vascular dysfunction caused by HIV-induced monocyte activation, and cytokine secretion, in addition to existing comorbidities and lifestyle choices. This comprehensive review examines the complex relationship between HIV infection and CVD, highlighting key pathophysiological mechanisms such as chronic immune activation, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in promoting cardiovascular risk. Alongside conventional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, HIV-specific elements, especially metabolic abnormalities associated with ART, significantly contribute to the development of CVD. Prevention strategies are crucial, focusing on the early identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors as well as optimizing ART regimens to minimize adverse metabolic effects. Clinical guidelines now recommend routine cardiovascular risk assessment in PWH, emphasizing aggressive management tailored to their unique health profiles. However, challenges exist in fully understanding the cardiovascular outcomes in this population. Future research directions include exploring the role of inflammation-modulating therapies and refining sustainable prevention strategies to mitigate the growing burden of CVD in PWH.