A study of people with HIV at a Chicago clinic found that just half of those eligible for treatment with the cholesterol-lowering class of drugs known as statins were on such medications, aidsmap reports. Considering that the virus is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the finding is worrisome.

Publishing their research in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, investigators from the Infectious Disease Center at Northwestern University conducted a retrospective study of a group of 460 people receiving HIV care. They determined who was prescribed statins and who would qualify for such treatment according to the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA).

The study cohort included 460 people, 81 percent of whom were male. The group had a median age of 52.

A total of 194 individuals were eligible to take statins according to the 2014 ACC/AHA guidelines. Ninety-five (49 percent) of them were actually receiving such medication.

Those who had clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD, the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the walls of arteries) were 46.5 times more likely to be prescribed statins than those who did not have the condition. Those with diabetes were 6.2 times more likely to receive statins than those who did not have diabetes. Statins were prescribed to 93 percent of those with ASCVD, 56 percent of those with diabetes and 93 percent of those with both health conditions.

Those who had a greater than 7.5 percent projected risk of developing cardiovascular disease within 10 years who nevertheless had no clinical signs of such disease were not more likely to receive statins, which are prescribed to prevent such disease in the first place. Twenty-nine percent of those who were eligible to receive statins to prevent cardiovascular disease were receiving such treatment.

Whites were more likely than Blacks to receive statins.

For a POZ feature about whether people with HIV who are not otherwise indicated to take them should take statins, click here. A major research trial called REPRIEVE is under way looking at with such individuals can still reduce their risk of heart disease and death by taking statins. For information on participating in the REPRIEVE trial, click here. For a REPRIEVE information site geared specifically for women, who are strongly encouraged to participate, click here.

To read the aidsmap article, click here.

To read the study abstract, click here.