Investigating how ectopic fat affects heart attack risk in people living with HIV

The Association of Ectopic Fat and Cardiovascular Disease in People Living With HIV and General Populations: A Cross Sectional Analysis

Observational University of Liverpool · NCT06784154

This study looks at how extra fat around organs affects the risk of heart attacks in people living with HIV to help improve their heart health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Liverpool Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Liverpool)
Trial IDNCT06784154 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the differences in energy utilization and storage between people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and the general population. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the study will measure visceral fat around organs such as the heart and liver, which is linked to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The research focuses on understanding how factors related to HIV and antiretroviral therapy contribute to increased cardiovascular risk. By identifying these mechanisms, the study seeks to improve risk prediction and management for PLWHIV.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are HIV-positive individuals over 40 years old who have been on stable antiretroviral therapy for at least six months.

Not a fit: Patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, active hepatitis, or those currently using GLP-1 agonists may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better risk assessment and management strategies for cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into cardiovascular risks in PLWHIV, this specific focus on ectopic fat and its implications is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • \>40 years

  * HIV-positive
  * Stable ART for \>6 months with two VL \<40 copies/ml based on local testing protocols
  * CD4 count \>200cells/mm3 for \>2 years from recruitment Inclusion Criteria (all)
  * Understand the study procedures, able to comply with study procedures and voluntarily agree to participate by giving informed written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects unable to comply with the study protocol
* History of severe renal impairment (eGFR \<30ml/min)
* History of severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh Score \>9)
* Active hepatitis B or hepatitis C
* Any active illness, which in the opinion of the investigator precludes participation in the study.
* History of cancer
* Active illicit intravenous drug use
* Investigators may decide the subject cannot proceed if there are any relevant other abnormal results in screening assessments
* History or current GLP-1 agonist use
* For female subjects: pregnancy or breast feeding at screening.
* Subjects currently taking: Atypical antipsychotics, omega 3 supplements, Telmisartan/Irbesartan, Thiazolidinediones or regular NSAID use.
* Familial hypercholesterolaemia

Where this trial is running

Liverpool

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiometabolic SyndromeHiv
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.