Heart disease risk may double if a person has HIV infections. Scientists think the virus may cause inflammation of blood vessels, which place an extra burden on the cardiovascular system.

‘The risk of heart and circulatory disease may double if a person has HIV infection. Scientists think the virus may cause inflammation of blood vessels, which place an extra burden on the cardiovascular system.’

The greatest impact is in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia Pacific regions, with Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho particularly affected.




Researchers say the findings will help to target treatments to people facing the greatest risk, helping to maximize resources in countries with limited healthcare funding.
An international team of experts, led by the University of Edinburgh, reviewed studies from 153 countries to determine the rate of heart disease in people living with HIV.
They also calculated the number of years lost as a result of death or ill-health in each country to measure the disease's global impact - or so-called health burden.
The research, which included studies with almost 800,000 people, found the risk of cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV was double the rate among uninfected people.
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In some parts of the world, HIV ranks alongside better-known risk factors - such as diet and lifestyle - as a major cause of heart disease.
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The link between HIV and heart disease is poorly understood. Scientists think the virus may cause inflammation of blood vessels, which puts pressure on the cardiovascular system.
The virus is also thought to raise fat levels in the blood and affect the body's ability to regulate sugar levels, which may also contribute to heart disease.
Dr. Anoop Shah, Clinical Lecturer in Cardiology at the University of Edinburgh, said: "This study has important implications when planning cardiovascular preventative policies in low resource countries where the burden of HIV remains high, and that of cardiovascular disease is growing."
Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said:
"We now have clear evidence that your risk of heart and circulatory disease is doubled if you have HIV. This news will have major public health implications globally, but particularly in developing countries in Africa where the burden of HIV is higher.
"The effects of one disease on another are often poorly understood. But, with an aging population, the number of people living with more than one disease will continue to rise. It's essential we build our understanding of the interplay between conditions so we can give patients the best treatments and advice."
Source-Eurekalert