Abstract
Background In addition to traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, antiretroviral therapy, lifestyle, and HIV-related factors may contribute to future CV events in persons with HIV (PWH).
Methods Among participants in the global REPRIEVE randomized trial, we characterized demographics and HIV characteristics relative to ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) for atherosclerotic CV disease predicted risk and CV health evaluated by Life’s Simple 7 (LS7; includes smoking, diet, physical activity, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and glucose).
Results Among 7382 REPRIEVE participants (31% women, 45% Black or African American), the median PCE risk score was 4.5% (Q1, Q3: 2.2, 7.2); 29% had a PCE score <2.5% and 9% scored above 10%. PCE score was related closely to known CV risk factors and modestly (<1% difference in risk score) to immune function and HIV parameters. The median LS7 score was 9 (Q1, Q3: 7, 10) of a possible 14. Only 24 participants (0.3%) had 7/7 ideal components, and 36% had ≤2 ideal components; 90% had <5 ideal components. The distribution of LS7 did not vary by age or natal sex, while ideal health was more common in low sociodemographic index countries and among Asians. Poor dietary and physical activity patterns on LS7 were seen across all PCE scores, including the lowest risk categories.
Conclusions Poor CV health by LS7 was common among REPRIEVE participants, regardless of PCE. This suggests a critical and independent role for lifestyle interventions in conjunction with conventional treatment to improve CV outcomes in PWH.