Cardiovascular Prevention for Persons With HIV

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction for Persons With HIV Infection: a Polypill Pilot Study

This study is funded by the American Heart Association. The goal of this research is to prevent early cardiovascular damage before symptoms develop for persons with HIV infection. Evidence suggests that taking low doses of blood pressure and cholesterol medication reduces risk for heart disease in persons who are at increased risk (such as the case with HIV infection).

Participants who are taking HIV treatment with an 'undetectable' viral load, and who do NOT need treatment for high blood pressure or cholesterol may be eligible to enroll. Participants will take a low dose cholesterol medication (or placebo) and a low dose of a blood pressure medication (or a placebo), and will be seen at 3 study visits over 4 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HIV Infection with viral load 'undetectable' while taking antiretroviral therapy
• Age ≥40
• Framingham risk score (FRS) ≥5%, or ≥3% with ≥5 years of exposure to antiretroviral therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known cardiovascular disease or Framingham risk score (FRS) ≥20%
• Blood pressure ≥140/90
• LDL cholesterol ≥160 (with FRS <10%), or ≥130 (with FRS 10-20%)
• Currently taking, or has a medication contraindication to take, a 'statin', an ACE inhibitor, or an angiotensin receptor blocker medication
• Cirrhosis or plasma ALT/AST levels >2x upper limit of normal
• Chronic kidney disease and a creatinine >2.0mg/dL
• Triglycerides >500mg/dL