A recent study found that daily use of statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs can help to reduce the risks of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, and strokes in people with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) by 35 per cent. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

HIV is an infection that affects the immune system. When the condition is not treated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is the most advanced stage of HIV. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), HIV has claimed 40.4 million [32.9–51.3 million] lives so far with ongoing transmission in all countries globally. “There were an estimated 39.0 million [33.1–45.7 million] people living with HIV at the end of 2022.”

HIV damages the immune system which makes the body less able to fight infections and diseases. Mayo Clinic says that if HIV isn’t treated, it can take years before it weakens the immune system enough to become AIDS.

Statins are a group of medicines that are prescribed to lower cholesterol which eventually helps to reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks or strokes. These medicines work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that plays an important role in the production of cholesterol, thereby, leading to decreased levels of LDL cholesterol, which is also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. By lowering the level of bad cholesterol, it prevents the buildup of plaque in the arteries which eventually helps in lowering blood pressure levels, and cardiovascular diseases.

People who have HIV can have a 50-100 per cent increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

The study showed that using statins daily could prevent one in five major cardiovascular events or premature deaths in people with HIV. Gary H. Gibbons, director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and part of the US National Institute of Health said, “This research suggests that statins may provide an accessible, cost-effective measure to improve cardiovascular health and quality of life for people living with HIV.”

For the study, the researchers took into consideration 7,769 adults aged 40-75, who were randomised to receive either pitavastatin or a placebo. Participants who took pitavastatin experienced 35 per cent fewer major cardiovascular events and a 21 per cent reduction in deaths compared to the placebo group.

Also, those who were taking statin saw a 30 per cent decrease in Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or bad cholesterol levels. Steven K. Grinspoon, a professor of medicine at Harvard University, said that while lowering LDL cholesterol reduces risks for heart attacks and strokes, the findings suggest additional benefits of statin therapy for people living with HIV.

The study highlights the need to address comorbidities like cardiovascular disease in successful HIV management.