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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Expert opinion on managing chronic HCV in patients with cardiovascular disease
Cristina Vassalle1, Salvatore Petta2, Alessia Pepe3
1Laboratory Medicine Unit, Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G Monasterio, Pisa, Italy.
Insights
Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection increases cardiovascular disease risk and mortality, likely via inflammation. Early risk assessment and treatment are crucial for managing HCV patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection is linked to extrahepatic manifestations, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and increased CVD mortality.
- Pathogenic mechanisms connecting HCV to CVD are not fully understood but likely involve systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the evidence for HCV as a non-traditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- To provide practical guidance for assessing cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on HCV infection and cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of pathogenic mechanisms linking HCV to CVD.
- Development of clinical recommendations for risk assessment.
Main Results:
- HCV infection is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.
- Systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbances are implicated in HCV-related CVD pathogenesis.
- Clinical evaluation and management strategies for CVD risk in HCV patients are essential.
Conclusions:
- Increased awareness among specialists is needed to ensure timely treatment for HCV patients.
- Effective management of HCV can mitigate disease progression and associated cardiovascular risks.
- Addressing HCV as a cardiovascular risk factor is critical for comprehensive patient care.
Abstract:
Extrahepatic manifestations of chronic HCV infection include cardiovascular diseases and an increase in cardiovascular mortality. The pathogenic mechanisms by which HCV contributes to cardiovascular disease are not well defined, however, it is likely that systemic inflammation, and the promotion of other metabolic diseases are involved. In this Review, the evidence for HCV infection as a non-traditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease is evaluated. Furthermore, practical advice to evaluate cardiovascular disease risk and disease in chronic hepatitis C patients are included for help in daily clinical practice. Despite the advances in therapies for the treatment of HCV, there remains a need for increased awareness among specialists so that patients are more likely to obtain the treatment required to mitigate disease progression.
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