Editorial: HIV and cardiovascular disease: recognizing and reducing disparities.

Abstract

Advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have resulted in increased longevity for people with HIV (PWH). Yet, this aging HIV population is confronting a disproportionately increasing burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) compared with people without HIV [1]. Salient among these chronic diseases that represent barriers to healthy aging is cardiovascular disease (CVD) [2– 4]. Extensive research over the past decades indicates that HIV-associated CVD is more prevalent, is mechanistically distinct, and is undertreated compared with CVD in the general population [5]. Although understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of CVD in PWH is increasing, particularly with regards to atherosclerotic CVD, significant gaps remain, and current knowledge has yet to translate into tailored CVD prevention and management for PWH. Consequently, there are disparities across the spectrum of CVD prevention and care for PWH, with potential adverse clinical consequences. The articles in this issue address advancements at the intersection of HIV and CVD, highlight current knowledge gaps, and summarize current areas of investigation aimed to reduce disparities in CVD care for PWH.