A recent article from TheBody, an online publication focused on HIV news and resources, reports that people living with HIV may face a greater risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and other cardiovascular conditions.
The article reveals that those living with HIV may be twice as likely to develop vascular diseases compared to those without the condition. This is due to HIV causing chronic inflammation as the body tries to fight off the virus, which can contribute to risk factors for PAD, such as plaque build-up in the arteries, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
The article notes that, while HIV can increase PAD risk, it’s not the sole cause. Traditional risk factors for PAD, such as high cholesterol, being overweight or obese, smoking status, diabetes, and age can all increase the risk. Addressing these risk factors in conjunction with antiretroviral medications to suppress the virus can help those with HIV prevent or slow the progression of PAD.
For more information about how HIV increases PAD risk, read the article from TheBody here.
