Increased cardiovascular risk in people with HIV after Covid-19
An international study has revealed that people with HIV are more likely to suffer serious cardiovascular disease after contracting Covid-19. According to this research, the risk of serious cardiovascular disease increases by 30% in the first year after overcoming Covid-19.
Increased risk in people with HIV without cardiovascular history
The highest risk was seen in people with HIV who had no previous cardiovascular disease and who had not been hospitalized for Covid-19. The most common pathologies detected include thromboembolic diseases, heart failure and various cardiac conditions.
Expansion of the sample and results of the study
The study included approximately 18,000 people with HIV, with 14,000 without a previous diagnosis of Covid-19 and 4,199 who had the disease. A total of 832 individuals developed cardiovascular disease in the year following Covid-19 or in the same period in the control group.
Research led by the Fundació Lluita contra les Infections
The study was carried out by an international team that includes the Lluita contra les Infecions Foundation, the Center for Epidemiological Studies on STIs and AIDS in Catalonia (CEEISCAT) and the Odense University Hospital (OUH) in Denmark.
Greater risk in the months following Covid-19
It found that the HIV population who had overcome Covid-19 had a higher risk of serious cardiovascular disease in the following year, especially in the first six months. This implies considering Covid-19 as an additional risk factor for people with HIV.
Importance of prevention and vaccination
The researchers emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent Covid-19 in people with HIV and the need for preventive measures during the post-infection period. They highlight the urgency of acting in this regard to avoid cardiovascular episodes.
Recommendations of Dr. Josep M. Book
Dr. Josep M. Llibre, researcher at the Fundació Lluita contra les Infections, underlines the importance of vaccination against Covid-19 in people with HIV. In addition, it highlights the need to control factors such as smoking, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol to reduce cardiovascular risk.