The summaries are free for public
use. The Chronic Liver Disease
Foundation will continue to add and
archive summaries of articles deemed
relevant to CLDF by the Board of
Trustees and its Advisors.
Abstract Details
The Inflammatory Relationship between Hepatitis C Virus with Coronary and Carotid Atherosclerosis
Cardiol Rev. 2020 Jun 18. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000314. Online ahead of print.
Michael Broker1, Shalom Z Frager2, Nayan S Patel3, Edward Lebovics2, William H Frishman1
Author information
1Department of Medicine, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY.
2Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY.
3Department of Medicine, University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), a global health concern, has been linked to various hepatic and extrahepatic deleterious manifestations. Several observational studies, have either supported the increased likelihood of coronary and carotid atherosclerosis after infection with hepatitis C virus, or refuted it. To date, there has been no clear consensus to support either train of thought, as randomized, controlled clinical trials have not been completed. In this review, we first discuss articles that support the notion that HCV infection leads to increased plaque formation due to systemic inflammation and then focus on articles that refute this idea. From the literature, we do know that both inflammatory and lipid processes play a role in plaque formation, and thus both components are important in the successful treatment of atherosclerosis. Based on our review of the literature, we do believe HCV-infected individuals are at an increased risk for more severe coronary artery disease than their healthy counterparts. Although there is no irrefutable evidence that links HCV infection with plaque formation and/or rupture, cardioprotective measures should be taken to reduce poor health outcomes, especially in those individuals who are already at risk of coronary disease.