Characterization and risk stratification of coronary artery disease in people living with HIV: a global systematic review

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH). Risk stratification remains inconsistent due to geographic disparities, ART-related metabolic effects, and overreliance on strength of association. This review synthesizes global evidence to...

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Main Authors: Martins Nweke, Sam Ibeneme, Julian D. Pillay, Nombeko Mshunqane
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2025.1586019/full
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author Martins Nweke
Martins Nweke
Martins Nweke
Sam Ibeneme
Julian D. Pillay
Nombeko Mshunqane
author_facet Martins Nweke
Martins Nweke
Martins Nweke
Sam Ibeneme
Julian D. Pillay
Nombeko Mshunqane
author_sort Martins Nweke
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH). Risk stratification remains inconsistent due to geographic disparities, ART-related metabolic effects, and overreliance on strength of association. This review synthesizes global evidence to classify CAD risk factors in PLWH, aiming to improve predictive models and preventative strategies.MethodsFollowing the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review was conducted across six databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, and African Journals (SABINET). Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted data. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were conducted. Risk factors were classified using Rw, causality index (CI), and public health priority (PHP).FindingsTwenty-two studies involving 103,370 participants were included. First-class risk factors (CI: 7–10) included hypertension (OR: 4.9; p < 0.05; Rw: 4.5), advanced age (≥50 years) (OR: 4.96, p < 0.05, Rw: 3.58), dyslipidemia (OR: 2.15, p < 0.04, Rw: 2.15), and overweight/obesity (OR: 1.81, p < 0.05, Rw: 1.36). Second-class risk factors (CI: 5–6) included family history of CVD (OR: 3.25, p < 0.05; Rw: 2. 24). Third-class risk factors (CI ≤4) included diabetes (OR: 2.64, p < 0.05, Rw: 1.32), antiretroviral therapy exposure (OR: 1.68, p < 0.05, Rw: 0.63), and homosexuality (OR: 1.82, p < 0.05, Rw: 0.62). Critical thresholds (cumulative Rw: 14.8 and 8.0) were set at 75th and 50th percentiles of cumulative Rw. At GTT value of 0.50, the parsimonious global clinical prediction model for HIV-related CAD included age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of CVD, diabetes, and overweight/obesity (Rw: 15.5, GTT: 4.05). For primary prevention, the optimal model comprised hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity (Rw: 8.01, GTT: 2.07). Advanced age and hypertension were “necessary causes” of CAD among PLWH.ConclusionAssociation strength alone cannot determine CAD risk. Cumulative risk indexing and responsiveness provide a robust framework. Prevention should prioritize hypertension and dyslipidemia management, with interventions for obesity, smoking, and virological failure. Age and hypertension should prompt cardiovascular screening. Standardized risk definitions, accounting for the role of protective factors and integrating evidence with domain knowledge are vital for improved CAD risk stratification and prediction in PLWH. Routine cardiovascular screening in HIV care remains essential.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024524494, PROSPERO CRD42024524494.
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spelling doaj-art-9efc7f352abc4fdea3cbc78e7798515f2025-08-20T04:02:31ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine2297-055X2025-08-011210.3389/fcvm.2025.15860191586019Characterization and risk stratification of coronary artery disease in people living with HIV: a global systematic reviewMartins Nweke0Martins Nweke1Martins Nweke2Sam Ibeneme3Julian D. Pillay4Nombeko Mshunqane5Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South AfricaGlobal Health and Sustainability, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South AfricaDepartment of Physiotherapy, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi, NigeriaDepartment of Physiotherapy, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi, NigeriaGlobal Health and Sustainability, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South AfricaDepartment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South AfricaBackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH). Risk stratification remains inconsistent due to geographic disparities, ART-related metabolic effects, and overreliance on strength of association. This review synthesizes global evidence to classify CAD risk factors in PLWH, aiming to improve predictive models and preventative strategies.MethodsFollowing the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review was conducted across six databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, and African Journals (SABINET). Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted data. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were conducted. Risk factors were classified using Rw, causality index (CI), and public health priority (PHP).FindingsTwenty-two studies involving 103,370 participants were included. First-class risk factors (CI: 7–10) included hypertension (OR: 4.9; p < 0.05; Rw: 4.5), advanced age (≥50 years) (OR: 4.96, p < 0.05, Rw: 3.58), dyslipidemia (OR: 2.15, p < 0.04, Rw: 2.15), and overweight/obesity (OR: 1.81, p < 0.05, Rw: 1.36). Second-class risk factors (CI: 5–6) included family history of CVD (OR: 3.25, p < 0.05; Rw: 2. 24). Third-class risk factors (CI ≤4) included diabetes (OR: 2.64, p < 0.05, Rw: 1.32), antiretroviral therapy exposure (OR: 1.68, p < 0.05, Rw: 0.63), and homosexuality (OR: 1.82, p < 0.05, Rw: 0.62). Critical thresholds (cumulative Rw: 14.8 and 8.0) were set at 75th and 50th percentiles of cumulative Rw. At GTT value of 0.50, the parsimonious global clinical prediction model for HIV-related CAD included age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of CVD, diabetes, and overweight/obesity (Rw: 15.5, GTT: 4.05). For primary prevention, the optimal model comprised hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity (Rw: 8.01, GTT: 2.07). Advanced age and hypertension were “necessary causes” of CAD among PLWH.ConclusionAssociation strength alone cannot determine CAD risk. Cumulative risk indexing and responsiveness provide a robust framework. Prevention should prioritize hypertension and dyslipidemia management, with interventions for obesity, smoking, and virological failure. Age and hypertension should prompt cardiovascular screening. Standardized risk definitions, accounting for the role of protective factors and integrating evidence with domain knowledge are vital for improved CAD risk stratification and prediction in PLWH. Routine cardiovascular screening in HIV care remains essential.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024524494, PROSPERO CRD42024524494.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2025.1586019/fullcoronary artery diseaseHIVrisk stratificationepidemiological modelsystematic review
spellingShingle Martins Nweke
Martins Nweke
Martins Nweke
Sam Ibeneme
Julian D. Pillay
Nombeko Mshunqane
Characterization and risk stratification of coronary artery disease in people living with HIV: a global systematic review
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
coronary artery disease
HIV
risk stratification
epidemiological model
systematic review
title Characterization and risk stratification of coronary artery disease in people living with HIV: a global systematic review
title_full Characterization and risk stratification of coronary artery disease in people living with HIV: a global systematic review
title_fullStr Characterization and risk stratification of coronary artery disease in people living with HIV: a global systematic review
title_full_unstemmed Characterization and risk stratification of coronary artery disease in people living with HIV: a global systematic review
title_short Characterization and risk stratification of coronary artery disease in people living with HIV: a global systematic review
title_sort characterization and risk stratification of coronary artery disease in people living with hiv a global systematic review
topic coronary artery disease
HIV
risk stratification
epidemiological model
systematic review
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2025.1586019/full
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