Role of Statin in Reducing Cardiovascular Diseases in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Patients: A Systematic Review

Because of abnormal lipid profiles, the risk of patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is much greater than in the general population. Statins are known effective medications for reducing the risk of CVDs by influencing inflammatory mediators, endothelial function, angiogenesis, and thrombosis. However, their role in PLHIV has not been well confirmed. In this article, we aim to provide more clarity about the effects of statin in lowering CVDs in PLHIV. Cochrane Library, PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) were screened and searched for articles that contained relevant data to our study. In this article, three clinical trials and five observational studies, including eight abstracts, were obtained and analyzed. We included articles that examined the efficacy of statins in reducing CVDs in those with PLHIV. Two reviewers independently abstracted and collected the data. We infer that the cardiovascular events in PLHIV were reduced by the potent effects of statins.