HIV and Heart Disease

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States.
  • Coronary heart disease, a specific type of heart disease, is caused by the buildup of plaque inside the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart, known as the coronary arteries.
  • While risk factors for heart disease (such as hi

HIV and Kidney Disease

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • The kidneys, two fist-sized organs positioned just below the ribcage on either side of the spine, filter waste and excess water from the blood.
  • Injury and disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV can harm the kidneys and lead to kidney disease.

HIV and Hepatitis B

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 10% of people with HIV in the United States also have hepatitis B, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
  • HBV is spread through contact with the blood, semen, or other body fluid of a person who has HBV.

HIV and Hepatitis C

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • About 21% of people with HIV in the United States also have hepatitis C, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
  • Hepatitis C is spread mainly through contact with the blood of a person who has HCV.

HIV and Substance Use

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • Substance use refers to the use of drugs and alcohol and includes the misuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Substance use can lead to risky behaviors (such as condomless sex or sharing needles) that increase the chance of getting HIV or passing it on to others.
  • Substance use can harm the health of a person with HIV by weakening the immune system, damaging the liver, interfering with dail

How to Find HIV Treatment Services

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • There are resources that can help people living with HIV find a health care provider, pay for medicines, locate affordable housing, and get help with mental health issues.
  • The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is a federal program designed to help people with HIV get the medical care and other support services they need.
  • The 

HIV and Nutrition and Food Safety

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • In people with HIV, good nutrition helps to maintain the immune system, maintain a healthy weight, absorb HIV medicines, and support overall health.
  • Food and water can be contaminated with germs that cause illnesses (called foodborne illnesses), which can be more serious for people with HIV due to a weakened immune system.
  • Food safety is about how to s

HIV and Mental Health

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • Mental health refers to a person's overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being.