Cardiovascular disease in HIV: traditional and nontraditional risk factors

A new paradigm for atherogenesis in HIV infection is emerging, in which viral replication and microbial translocation result in ongoing T-cell and monocyte activation, with persistent inflammation leading to the development of atypical, high-risk morphology plaques. These plaques, characterized by low attenuation and positive remodeling, can be found even among HIV-infected patients who are at low risk for cardiovascular disease based on traditional risk factors. Prevention of cardiovascular events in HIV infection requires modulation of traditional risk factors and is also likely to require effective antiinflammatory treatment strategies. Statins, which are traditionally used to treat dyslipidemia, have also been shown to exert antiinflammatory effects associated with clinical benefit and may be useful to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients. However, large-scale studies of statins in the context of HIV infection must be conducted. This article summarizes a presentation by Steven K. Grinspoon, MD, at the IAS-USA continuing education program held in Chicago, Illinois, in May 2014.