Treating high lipids

The 2008 British HIV Association treatment guidelines recommend a cardiovascular risk assessment for everyone starting HIV treatment with action to lower lipid levels according to cardiovascular risk .

Treatment should consist of lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins or fibrates.

Risk factors include:

  • Age (men - above 45, women - above 55 or premature menopause with no oestrogen replacement).
  • Family history of heart disease.
  • Current smoker.
  • High blood pressure.
  • LDL cholesterol below 0.9mmol/L (35mg/dl).
  • Diabetes.
  • HDL cholesterol above 1.55mmol/L (60mg/dl) is assumed to cancel out one other risk factor when assessing the need to intervene.

If at all possible, individuals with elevated lipids should stop smoking or cut down drastically. The drug buproprion (Zyban) is now available in the United Kingdom to assist people who are attempting to stop, as is nicotine replacement therapy, but many clinics will require individuals to obtain this prescription from their GP.

Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.