Cardiac care must become integral to long-term HIV treatment, say experts
Medical experts at a symposium in India emphasized the need to integrate cardiovascular care into long-term HIV treatment protocols. As antiretroviral therapy extends life expectancy, managing heart health has become a critical component of patient care.
Why it matters
This reflects a shift in global health strategy from acute epidemic management to the long-term chronic care of HIV-positive populations.
Cardiovascular health must receive greater attention in the long-term care of people living with HIV as they live longer with advances in antiretroviral therapy, speakers at a national symposium on HIV and heart disease said here on Saturday.
The ‘HIV and Heart Symposium 2026’, organised by the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research in association with the AIDS Society of India, brought together cardiologists, HIV specialists, and other experts to discuss the emerging links between HIV and cardiovascular disease.
H.S. Nataraj Setty, associate professor of cardiology at Jayadeva and course director of the symposium, said the success of antiretroviral therapy had significantly changed the course of HIV care.
“People living with HIV are now able to lead longer and healthier lives. As their life expectancy improves, we also need to focus on cardiovascular health and other long-term complications,” he said.
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