Experts Call for Cardiac Services to Join HIV Care in Karnataka

Karnataka’s medical community is urging a shift in how HIV is managed, emphasizing that cardiac care must become a routine component of long‑term treatment. Specialists point to a growing body of evidence showing that people living with HIV are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, a trend that mirrors global patterns as antiretroviral therapy (ART) extends life expectancy.

In a recent briefing, clinicians highlighted that routine cardiac screening—such as blood pressure checks, lipid profiling and electrocardiograms—should be embedded in the existing HIV care framework. They argued that early detection of heart‑related complications can prevent severe outcomes and reduce the overall health burden on the public system. The call comes as Karnataka’s ART clinics see an increasing number of patients reaching middle age, a demographic where heart disease typically emerges.

Health officials in the state have begun reviewing program guidelines to accommodate these recommendations. Proposals include training HIV care providers in basic cardiology, establishing referral pathways to cardiologists, and integrating cardiovascular risk assessment into patient records. By aligning HIV and cardiac services, the aim is to create a more holistic approach that addresses both viral suppression and non‑communicable disease prevention.

Stakeholders also stressed the importance of public awareness. Community outreach programs are being urged to educate people living with HIV about lifestyle factors—such as diet, exercise and smoking cessation—that influence heart health. The experts contend that without coordinated cardiac care, the gains made in HIV treatment could be undermined by rising rates of heart attacks, strokes and related complications.

The consensus among Karnataka’s health experts is clear: to sustain the progress made against HIV, the state must broaden its treatment paradigm to include comprehensive cardiac monitoring and management.