- Important information for HIV patients
- What is antiretroviral therapy?Y
- How solutions are made
HIV: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of drugs used to reduce the amount of HIV, improve immune function, and reduce the risk of HIV-related illnesses. This therapy does not completely cure HIV; But with regular treatment with HIV A long healthy and active life is possible.
Advances in treatment have increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV. Therefore, it is now necessary to address the other health needs that arise with advancing age in addition to HIV treatment. Dr. Arvind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals International Pvt. Ltd. has given more information.
Cardiovascular health care among seniors living with HIV
As we age, it becomes very important to maintain heart health. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes and other metabolic problems can increase the risk of heart disease. Chronic inflammation associated with HIV can also add to this risk. Therefore, preventive health check-ups should be taken seriously.
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What needs to be done for this
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar should be checked regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise.
- Avoid smoking and control other risk factors for heart disease.
- All medicines taken regularly should be reviewed with the doctor's advice.
- Diabetes and bone health are equally important
Metabolic health and bone health also require special attention as people age with HIV. Changes in blood sugar, cholesterol and body fat levels can increase the risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Bone health is also important. Loss of bone density can increase the risk of fracture. Hence, it is beneficial to detect such changes at an early stage through regular health check-ups.
A proper and nutritious diet, weight-bearing exercises, and maintaining muscle strength and health can help maintain good bone health. Depending on the individual's health risks, the doctor may suggest additional tests or treatments as needed.
Brain and mental health care for healthy aging
Cognitive and mental health needs to be addressed with increasing age. Some people living with HIV may experience problems with memory, concentration, or other cognitive functions. If such problems are persistent and affect daily life, they should not be dismissed as just normal signs of aging.
Getting enough and good sleep, regular physical exercise, social interaction and controlling diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes can help in healthy aging. Mental health needs to be given equal importance.
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HIV treatment and care coverage needs to increase with age
Today, HIV treatment has become more effective. Hence, many patients are living long lives after diagnosis. However, as age increases, health management should not be limited to HIV treatment alone, but other health issues should also be addressed.
Regular check-ups of heart health, blood sugar, kidney and liver function, bone health, and cognitive health are important. If a person is taking many medicines for other diseases, it is also necessary to review those medicines periodically with the doctor's advice.
Therefore, awareness about HIV should not only focus on the disease and its treatment, but also on the overall health and healthy aging of people living with HIV.