Women living with HIV and persistent levels of depression may be at higher risk of heart disease

A new study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, examined the reasons for which women with HIV (WLWH) tend to have increased risk of plaque buildup in their arteries (atherosclerotic).

The study found that women with HIV and persistent levels of depression may be at a higher risk of heart disease than women that are HIV-negative.

According to the study, women with WLHW had a plaque prevalence of 23% and 11% in their high and low psychosocial risk classes. The plaque presence continued to build as symptoms of depression increased.

Read an in-depth review of this study and its findings from Drug Topics.