Addressing Cardiometabolic Challenges in HIV: Insights, Impact, and Best Practices for Optimal Management—A Narrative Review

Introduction

Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), morbidity and mortality rates associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have significantly decreased leading to prolonged life span of Individuals living with HIV due to the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. However, this prolonged lifespan alone does not fully account for the increased incidence of cardiometabolic complications. These complications result from a complex interplay of factors such as chronic inflammation, immune activation, ART-related metabolic effects, and lifestyle changes. which contribute to elevated morbidity and mortality rates, therefore requiring a deeper understanding and setting effective management strategies. This review aims at providing insights and a nuanced understanding of the relationship between HIV and cardiometabolic disorders, explore their clinical implications and adapt optimal management strategies to address the multifaceted challenges at the intersection of HIV and cardiometabolic health, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

Methods

Data retrieval was conducted using a predetermined search strategy from medical journals that were published in bibliographical databases like PubMed, Science Direct and Embase. This review systematically considered and synthesized current literature on the association between cardiometabolic challenges and HIV.

Results

This review provides a detailed exploration of the interrelationship between HIV and cardiometabolic challenges, with an emphasis on insights, impact, and best practices for optimal management. It underscores the high risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and lipodystrophy in people living with HIV. Recommendations include evidence-based approaches such as routine cardiometabolic risk. Prevention, screening, management, lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise), and optimizing ART regimens to reduce the negative health outcomes experienced by people living with HIV and to direct clinical practice. To reduce health issues, enhance clinical results, and improve the long-term quality of life for people living with HIV, it is important to early identify cardiovascular risk factors and to follow customized prevention and management methods.

Conclusion

This review shows that early detection through regular screening is pivotal through collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers which will allow for timely interventions and drive innovation and address evolving challenges to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with HIV. Continuing to do research and advocacy efforts, will not only advance knowledge but also optimize the long-term health outcomes for people living with HIV.