People with hiv have shown to have significantly more coronary atherosclerotic plaques in their arteries and are exposed to relatively more cardiovascular risk. My question is: may soy protein and omega-3 daily supplements help reduce the risk of heart disease?

Great question!

The answer is YES

These are the top cardiovascular protecting supplements used and researched so far:

Omega 3 (fish oils) 2000-6000 mg a day have shown to decrease triglycerides and low density lipoprotein (LDL) along with some anti-inflammatory properties.

Soy protein- It may have certain antioxidants, although I am not truly convinced that it helps men as much as it does women

Niacin- A B vitamin that improves the good cholesterol. 1500 mg a day with a scaling dosing schedule. It can cause a flush that makes you feel hot and itchy. People take a baby 81 mg aspiring 30 minutes before taking it and also at bed time. Start with 500 mg a day for a week, and slowly build up to 1500 mg if you can.

Coenzyme Q10- Not specifically studied in cardiovascular HIV complications but in non HIV studies there are indications that it may protect heart muscles against oxidative stress. Also,a small HIV study showed improved energy levels. It is not cheap and the dose should be 100-300 mg a day.

Exercise, decreased salt intake, lowering your animal fat and sugar intake, and trying to avoid HIV medications that have shown some negative cardiovascular data are also important!

Nelson