Abstract
The increasing lifespan of people living with HIV (PLWH) due to advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) has shifted mortality patterns from AIDS-related to non-AIDS-related causes, notably cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review investigates how HIV and ART contribute to vascular endothelial dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and hypercoagulation, which significantly exacerbate cardiovascular risk. Mechanistic insights include chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation due to persistent HIV infection and ART-specific effects such as protease inhibitors causing dyslipidemia and zidovudine inducing mitochondrial toxicity leading to cardiomyopathy. ART, while lifesaving, has been implicated in promoting subclinical atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of acute myocardial infarction, further highlighting the need for tailored approaches. The manuscript addresses pressing obstacles, including disparities in healthcare access and the lack of standardized cardiovascular screening guidelines specific to PLWH. It emphasizes the integration of advanced imaging techniques and emerging biomarkers, such as coronary artery calcium scoring and soluble ST2, to detect early subclinical cardiovascular abnormalities. The review also identifies challenges in ART selection to balance virologic control and cardiovascular safety. What sets this review apart is its holistic and detailed approach to the intersection of HIV and cardiovascular health. It not only elucidates complex pathophysiological mechanisms but also offers actionable insights into how current clinical guidelines fall short. This manuscript underscores the urgency of implementing proactive cardiovascular screening protocols tailored for PLWH and refining ART regimens to mitigate CVD risks. By addressing these gaps, this work aims to expand our understanding of HIV-related cardiovascular manifestations and provide a foundation for targeted interventions, thereby improving long-term health outcomes for PLWH. This comprehensive perspective is poised to transform clinical practice by fostering greater awareness among physicians and encouraging the development of more effective strategies for managing cardiovascular risks in the HIV population.