Among people with an indication for a cholesterol-lowering statin medication, those living with HIV receive such prescriptions at a lower rate than those without the virus, Pharmacy Times reports.

Presenting their findings at the American Society of Health System Pharmacists 54th Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition in Las Vegas, researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of 150 people with HIV and a matched group of the same number of HIV-negative individuals.

Of the 37 HIV-positive individuals who met the criteria for receiving a statin medication, 54% were actually prescribed such a drug. Of the 105 HIV-negative individuals who were indicated for a statin, 90% received one.

Of the 12 people with HIV who met the criteria for low-dose aspirin therapy, 33% were prescribed such treatment. Of the 16 people without HIV who qualified for low-dose aspirin, 50% were prescribed it.

Of those with HIV, 57 were current smokers; 82% of these received smoking cessation counseling during the previous year. Of those who did not have HIV, 17 were current smokers; 76% of these received smoking cessation counseling.

The study authors speculated that the reason why preventive treatment for cardiovascular disease was under-prescribed in the HIV-positive group was because addressing such matters was a lower priority due to limited time during appointments. By comparison, physicians likely have more time during primary care visits with people without HIV to discuss such prevention.

To read the Pharmacy Times article, click here.