HIV patients advised to watch heart, bone and brain health as they age

Antiretroviral therapy, or ART, is a key treatment for HIV patients. It involves using several medicines together to lower HIV levels in the body, help the immune system work better and reduce the risk of HIV-related illnesses. The therapy does not cure HIV completely, but regular treatment allows patients to live healthy and active lives for a long time.

Advances in treatment mean people living with HIV are now living longer. Because of this, it has become important to focus not just on HIV treatment but also on other health needs that come with ageing. This was stated by Dr Arvind Badiger, Technical Director at BDR Pharmaceuticals International Pvt. Ltd.

Taking care of heart health becomes very important with age. High blood pressure, raised cholesterol, diabetes and other metabolic problems can increase the risk of heart disease. Long-term inflammation linked to HIV can further raise this risk. Preventive health checkups should therefore be taken seriously.

According to doctors, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar should be checked regularly. A proper diet and regular exercise should be used to control weight. Smoking should be avoided and other risk factors for heart disease should be kept under control. Any medicines being taken regularly should also be reviewed periodically with a doctor's advice.

As people with HIV grow older, special attention is also needed for metabolic and bone health. Changes in blood sugar, cholesterol and body fat levels can raise the risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Bone health is equally important, since reduced bone density can increase the risk of fractures. Regular health checkups help catch such changes at an early stage.

Proper and nutritious food, weight-bearing exercise, and maintaining muscle strength and health can help keep bones healthy. Doctors may recommend additional tests or treatment depending on a person's individual health.

Attention to brain and mental health is also necessary with advancing age. Some people living with HIV may face problems with memory, concentration or other cognitive functions. If such problems occur repeatedly and affect daily life, they should not be dismissed as a normal effect of ageing.

Adequate and good-quality sleep, regular physical exercise, social interaction, and control of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can help support healthy ageing. Mental health should be given equal importance.

HIV treatment today is more effective than before, which means many patients live for a long time after diagnosis. But as they age, health management should not be limited to HIV treatment alone; other health aspects also need attention. Regular checks of heart health, blood sugar, kidney and liver function, bone health and cognitive health are necessary. If a person is on multiple medicines for other conditions, those medicines should also be reviewed periodically with a doctor's advice.

Therefore, while spreading awareness about HIV, the focus should not be limited to the disease and its treatment alone; the overall health and healthy ageing of people living with HIV also needs attention.