Do You Have HIV And Risk Factors for Heart Disease?

Inflammation is a reaction that our bodies make to infections and other changes. People living with HIV can have increased inflammation in their organs even if their HIV is well controlled and the viral load is undetectable. Chronic HIV infection has been shown to increase the incidence, complications, and death from heart disease. The purpose of this study (CLEAR HIV) is to see if an oral drug called Bempedoic Acid can lower inflammation in blood vessels and possibly prevent heart related complications in people with HIV. Its effect on lowering inflammation in blood vessels will be measured by looking at the aorta (the main artery in your body) using a test called a PET-CT scan. The drug also lowers the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. 

Eligibility

• ≥ 40 years of age 
• HIV positive
• On continuous HIV treatment for at least 12 weeks 
• Undetectable viral load for at least 12 weeks 
• T-cell count ≥200 cells/mm3 
• At least one risk factor for heart disease (such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, current smoking or a history of heart disease)

For more information about CLEAR HIV, please contact our study team at 310-843-2015 or CAREOUTREACH@mednet.ucla.edu.