Coronary complexity and inflammatory burden in HIV-infected patients with acute coronary syndrome: a two-year prospective cohort study in China.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

People living with HIV (PLWH) are increasingly at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to chronic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, limited data exist regarding coronary anatomy and long-term outcomes in PLWH with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in Chinese populations. This study aimed to compare coronary angiographic characteristics, metabolic-inflammatory profiles, and 2-year prognosis between PLWH and HIV-uninfected patients with ACS.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center observational cohort study including 129 patients with a first episode of ACS between 2019 and 2023. 43 PLWH were analyzed with 86 HIV-uninfected controls. Coronary artery lesions were assessed by angiography and SYNTAX score. Laboratory parameters including CRP and lipid levels, among others, were collected. The primary outcome was the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events during the 2-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

PLWH had significantly higher SYNTAX scores compared to HIV-free patients (21.56 vs. 16.77, P = 0.001). They also showed elevated levels of LDL-C (3.18 vs. 2.66 mmol/L, P = 0.009) and CRP (median 9.10 vs. 5.10 mg/L, P < 0.001). At 2 years, PLWH had a higher rate of ACS recurrence (18.6% vs. 7.0%, P = 0.089), but mortality and other adverse events were similar. In multivariate analyses, HIV status was not an independent predictor of relapse, while calcified lesions were significantly associated with relapse.

CONCLUSION

PLWH with ACS have more complex coronary heart disease and a higher risk of recurrence, partly due to vascular calcific changes. These findings suggest the need for enhanced metabolic monitoring and individualized secondary prevention strategies in this high-risk population.