Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk in Romanian HIV Patients: Real-World Evidence

Mortality among people with HIV undergoing antiretroviral treatment (ART) has decreased, but non-AIDS-related causes of death, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, have risen. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 112 HIV-seropositive individuals receiving ART at the HIV/AIDS Day Clinic in Galați. Cardiovascular risk (CVR) was calculated using the D:A:D® score and SCORE2-OP for individuals over 40. The study group primarily consisted of young individuals under 40, with most being male. A majority had at least 12 years of education (70.54%) and lived in urban areas (73.21%). Alcohol consumption was reported by 29.49%, 55.36% were smokers, and 21.11% maintained an active lifestyle. The median duration since HIV diagnosis was 11 years, ranging from 1 to 30 years, with a prevalence of obesity at 24.1%. The D:A:D® score correlated with the SCORE2-OP score in those over 40, showing an average cardiovascular age 7.5 years older than their chronological age. Cardiovascular risk in this population is influenced by age, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, low physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. HIV-specific factors did not significantly impact the CVR. A prevention program should promote a healthy lifestyle, improve adherence, control blood pressure, and ensure access to pitavastatin for this population.