Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Individuals with Hepatitis C Viral Infection

• Published in: Current cardiology reports Vol. 23; no. 5; p. 52
• Main Authors: Bailey, Alison L., Al-Adwan, Saif, Sneij, Eliea, Campbell, Nicholas, Wiisanen, Matthew E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-05-2021
• Subjects: Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use; Atherosclerosis - drug therapy; Atherosclerosis - epidemiology; Atherosclerosis - etiology; Cardiology; Cardiovascular Diseases - drug therapy; Cardiovascular Diseases - epidemiology; Cardiovascular Diseases - etiology; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis C - complications; Hepatitis C - drug therapy; Hepatitis C - epidemiology; Humans; Ischemic Heart Disease (D Mukherjee; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Section Editor; Topical Collection on Ischemic Heart Disease; Hepatitis C virus; Cardiovascular disease; Atherosclerosis, inflammation, Direct-acting antiviral
• ISSN: 1523-3782; 1534-3170
• DOI: 10.1007/s11886-021-01475-6

Purpose of Review
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are two diseases that affect millions around the globe. Hepatitis C affects more than 70 million individuals globally. ASCVD is commonly encountered and remains the top cause of death worldwide. A link has been identified between HCV and atherosclerosis.
Recent Findings
A review of recent studies which define the association between HCV infection and an increased risk of subclinical ASCVD and experiencing cardiovascular (CV) events.
Summary
It is now recognized that there is an increased burden of atherosclerosis in individuals infected with HCV that translates into increased cardiovascular events. An increase in the number of diagnosed cases of HCV is expected as screening recommendations for the virus have expanded. Strategies to educate healthcare professionals about this increased CV risk will need to be considered as well as the optimal strategy to lower CV risk in this growing population.