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Many studies have identified extrahepatic manifestation of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, including associations with lymphoproliferative disorders, diabetes mellitus, and renal disease. Increasingly, data have amassed exploring whether HCV infection acts as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Evidence for Subclinical Cardiovascular Diseases in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
A recent review by Babiker et al published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology explores the evidence for an association between CHC infection and both subclinical and clinical cardiovascular diseases.
Evidence for Clinical Cardiovascular Diseases in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Translation from these findings to various clinical cardiovascular disease outcomes has been extensively investigated. The review identified 8 studies with composite outcomes including 2 or more clinical events (coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, peripheral artery disease, and congestive heart failure) in the literature.
Effect of Treatment on Cardiovascular Outcomes
The significance of CHC as a putative CVD risk factor is magnified by the advent of direct-acting antivirals and the improved potential to achieve a sustained virologic response. “Limited data suggest that CVD risk may be lowered with HCV treatment, so this should be considered,” explains Dr Butt.