Introduction The possible underestimated risks of coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) calculated by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) models were reported for subjects with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This novel study aimed to compare the CHD and CVDs risk factors as well CHD and CVDs events predictions using FRS between HIV-infected and HIV/HCV subjects on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Malaysia.

Methods This retrospective study was conducted with a purposive sampling of 2046 HIV patients on ART in an outpatient clinic in Malaysia age, gender, lipid profile, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes status, immunity indices, and ART using digital medical records. Risks were predicted using FRS models (2002) for CHD and FRS formula (2008) for CVDs. Descriptive, independent sample T-test and Chi-square statistical tests were applied.

Results CHD and CVD risks were estimated in 1850 subjects (median age 46 years, 20% female) only with HIV and 196 of HIV/HCV subjects (median age 43 years, 4% female). The HIV/HCV group had significant lower mean levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglyceride and systolic blood pressure while mean age was significant higher in HIV group (p < 0.05). HCV/HIV group had significant proportion of Tenofovir receivers (34.6% vs 16.6%) and lower CD4 count level (p < 0.05). The intermediate and high risks of CHD were prevalent among HIV/HCV and HIV subjects as 6.1% vs 6.6% and 3.1% vs 3.6% respectively. Also HIV vs HIV/HCV subjects had intermediate CVD risks as 40.9% vs 38.6% while 8.3% vs 8.2% had high risk CVDs. Points and risks percentages of CVDs and CHD were not significant different between HIV and HIV/HCV groups.

Conclusion Risk of CHD and CVDs were similar in HIV and HIV/HCV groups. This Study suggests a need for more specific FRS equations since the serum lipid profiles influence by some factors such as immunity status, ART and HCV rather than traditional risks.

Disclosure of interest statement There is no conflict of interest.