HIV Related Diseases and Conditions

People with HIV, when treated properly, are now experiencing life expectancies at, or near that of someone with no infectious disease. Incredible as this is, it does not change the fact that the immune system has been greatly affected and the risk of other diseases and conditions is subsequently higher.

These risks include: cancers such as liver due to Hepatitis B and C; cervical cancer in women; and carcinomas of the anus and rectum in men and women caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

HIV can infect both brain cells and kidney cells, leading to early dementia and renal failure. HIV can increase inflammation in arteries, leading to strokes, heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. HIV has also been known to cause earlier onset of osteopenia and osteoporosis leading, to potential bone fractures.

Finally, patients with HIV often have the same comorbidities (co-existing conditions) as anyone else—such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, depression, cigarette and other substance use—all of which affect the aforementioned conditions.

It is important to have a physician who understands all of these risks and potential complications and is able to screen for them in a comprehensive manner.

• What is HIV?Read More
• Finding an HIV specialistRead More
• Treatment and prevention of HIVRead More