A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people infected with HIV have a significantly higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to uninfected individuals, even after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The study analyzed data from 82,459 veterans, including 33.2% who were HIV-positive, and followed them for a median of 5.9 years. During this period, 871 AMI events were recorded, with HIV-positive veterans having a consistently higher rate of AMI across all age groups. After adjusting for Framingham risk factors, comorbidities, and substance use, HIV-positive veterans had a 48% increased risk of AMI compared to uninfected veterans. This risk remained even among those with HIV-1 RNA levels below 500 copies/mL. The study suggests that HIV infection itself, rather than just the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART), contributes to the increased risk of AMI. The findings indicate that HIV infection is associated with a 50% increased risk of AMI beyond that explained by recognized risk factors. The study also highlights the need for further research to validate the Framingham risk score in HIV-positive populations and to assess whether including HIV status, race/ethnicity, comorbidities, and other factors improves CHD risk prediction. The study underscores the importance of addressing the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in HIV-positive individuals.A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people infected with HIV have a significantly higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to uninfected individuals, even after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The study analyzed data from 82,459 veterans, including 33.2% who were HIV-positive, and followed them for a median of 5.9 years. During this period, 871 AMI events were recorded, with HIV-positive veterans having a consistently higher rate of AMI across all age groups. After adjusting for Framingham risk factors, comorbidities, and substance use, HIV-positive veterans had a 48% increased risk of AMI compared to uninfected veterans. This risk remained even among those with HIV-1 RNA levels below 500 copies/mL. The study suggests that HIV infection itself, rather than just the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART), contributes to the increased risk of AMI. The findings indicate that HIV infection is associated with a 50% increased risk of AMI beyond that explained by recognized risk factors. The study also highlights the need for further research to validate the Framingham risk score in HIV-positive populations and to assess whether including HIV status, race/ethnicity, comorbidities, and other factors improves CHD risk prediction. The study underscores the importance of addressing the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in HIV-positive individuals.