Study reveals underestimation of cardiovascular risk in Black individuals with HIV.

A global study conducted by a team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital in collaboration with scientists from various institutions has revealed that current cardiovascular risk models significantly underestimate the risk in certain demographic groups of people living with HIV, specifically among Black men and women from high-income countries. This finding raises important questions about the effectiveness of the predictive tools used in the healthcare of these populations. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are recognized as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and their impact is particularly severe among people living with HIV. Despite the availability of predictive models such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk scores, previous studies have indicated that these tools may not be accurate for all population groups, especially among people with HIV in developing countries. The recent study, published in the journal 'Lancet HIV', utilized data from a randomized trial known as REPRIEVE, which included participants from diverse economic and geographical backgrounds. Through this analysis, the researchers found that current cardiovascular risk models underestimated cardiovascular events in Black men and women from high-income countries, while, on the other hand, they overestimated the risk in people with HIV from low- and middle-income countries. Patrice Desvigne-Nickens, a leading physician at the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, emphasized the importance of adjusting predictive models to more accurately reflect cardiovascular risk in this population group. "Assessing the accuracy of these predictions in subgroups of the population is possible thanks to carefully developed outreach and the enrollment of a diverse population," she noted. The findings of the study suggest an urgent need to develop more nuanced and specific predictive models for each region and population. Steven Grinspoon, a co-author of the study and head of the Metabolism Unit at the same hospital, agreed that it is essential to have tools that accurately reflect the cardiovascular risk of people living with HIV. Additionally, the study proposes the need to calculate correction factors to address the underestimations observed in certain groups. This represents a step forward in improving healthcare and treatment for people living with HIV, ensuring that more rigorous and specific approaches are adopted based on the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of patients. Markella Zanni, the lead co-author and director of Women’s Health Research at the Metabolism Unit, also underscored the importance of these findings. She anticipates that their results will be recognized by health guideline experts, who may consider stricter treatment recommendations for populations identified as at risk. The underestimation of cardiovascular risk in specific populations underscores the need for a critical review of the assessment tools used in the care of people with HIV. This could not only improve health outcomes for these individuals but also positively impact public health overall. As the world faces the challenge of HIV, it is crucial that researchers and healthcare professionals focus on creating predictive models that are inclusive and representative of the diverse experiences and risks faced by people with HIV. Research in this field is vital not only for improving healthcare but also for implementing health policies that protect the most vulnerable populations. In conclusion, the study from Massachusetts General Hospital opens the door to a new approach in cardiovascular care for people with HIV, suggesting that personalization and precision are essential to addressing health disparities and improving the quality of life for these patients.