Patients with HIV – management of dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular risk: new challenges in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy

Czech version

Authors: Matej Bendžala ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Centrum pre liečbu HIV/AIDS pacientov, Klinika infektológie a geografickej medicíny LF UK a UNB, Nemocnica akad. L. Dérera, Bratislava ¹; Biomedicínske centrum SAV, v. v. i., Bratislava ²
Published in: AtheroRev 2026; 11(1): 44-49
Category: Reviews

Overview

In the era of modern combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV infection has become a chronic, well-controlled condition characterized by durable viral suppression and substantially prolonged life expectancy. Consequently, clinical focus has shifted from managing the infection itself to addressing chronic comorbidities, particularly dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and arterial hypertension. People living with HIV have approximately a twofold increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease compared with the general population, driven by persistent inflammation, metabolic effects of certain antiretroviral drugs, and traditional risk factors. Current European guidelines (ESC/EAS 2025, EACS 2025) recommend statin therapy for all with HIV aged ≥ 40 years, irrespective of baseline lipid levels. In Slovakia, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are the main available options and represent the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy in this group. A multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease specialists, internists, and cardiologists is essential for optimal cardiovascular risk management.

Keywords:

statins – dyslipidemia – cardiovascular risk – antiretroviral therapy– arterial hypertension – ESC/EAS 2025 and EACS 2025 guidelines – Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

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