Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risks and Dyslipidemia in HIV-positive Patients

Abstract

Background and Aim: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. We evaluated dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risks in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. Materials and Methods: We enrolled patients in this study between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, at the infectious diseases outpatient clinic. A total of 189 HIV-positive cases and 199 cases with normal examination findings within the same timeframe were compared in terms of cardiovascular risk factors. Results: The study included 388 individuals, of whom 189 were HIV-positive patients and 199 were in the control group. The mean age of the HIV-positive group was 47.8 ± 11.5; 64.9% were men. Framingham’s risk score was found to be statistically higher in the HIV-positive patient group (P = 0.001). Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels were higher in the HIV-positive group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.023). A higher proportion of patients in the moderate- and high-risk categories were HIV positive. Conclusion: In HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy, an increase in lipid profiles was observed in those categorized as moderate and high cardiovascular risk groups compared with the control group.