Cardiovascular disease (CVD) related to HIV infection is becoming a major public health concern in the United Stated. Epidemiologic studies show that prolonged use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, HIV/AIDS itself, and a combination of traditional vascular risk factors increase the risk for CVD among people with HIV/AIDS. However, little is known about any racial disparities in the risk for CVD in the HIV/AIDS population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature on HIV/AIDS and CVD (June 1, 2010-July 31, 2014) through MEDLINE to examine whether and how HIV-positive African Americans are disproportionately affected by CVD compared to their white counterparts. The corrected pooled effect from the eligible studies was 1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.22-1.30). Blacks living with HIV/AIDS have higher risk for CVD than non-Hispanic whites. The findings of this study provide an important basis for prevention efforts as well as recommendations for addressing the existing racial disparities in the risk for CVD among people living with HIV/AIDS
