HIV Patients Face High Risk of Heart Disease, Say Bengaluru Experts

Cardiovascular disease has emerged as a major health risk for people living with HIV even as effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows them to live longer, medical experts said at the HIV & HEART Symposium 2026 held at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The symposium was organised by Jayadeva's Department of Cardiology in association with the AIDS Society of India. The event brought together specialists in cardiology, HIV medicine, microbiology, vascular surgery, and general medicine to focus on early detection, prevention, and comprehensive cardiac treatment for HIV patients.

Dr B Dinesh, director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, explained that HIV itself can cause chronic inflammation in blood vessels, which increases the likelihood of coronary heart disease. He added that while some older ART drugs contributed to dyslipidaemia and other cardiovascular complications, newer and more cardiac-friendly treatment regimens are now available.

Dr HS Natraj Setty, associate professor of cardiology and organising secretary of the symposium, noted that evolving treatments have shifted the focus toward long-term care. He stated that effective therapy enables patients to live for 25 to 30 years or more, making heart health increasingly important. Dr Setty also pointed out that social stigma and a lack of awareness still prevent some individuals, particularly in rural areas, from accessing timely medical care.

Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, chairman of Narayana Health, highlighted the operational challenges involved in treating HIV patients with heart conditions, noting that healthcare teams must take strict precautions against infection risk while handling blood during procedures.