Rita Baron-Faust

About a third of HIV-positive patients have high blood pressure. Is this a predictable consequence of ordinary aging, or do their history of HIV infection and treatment play a role? Whatever the explanation, many of these patients don't take the problem seriously enough.

HIV infections are increasing most rapidly among Americans over age 65. Yet the CDC doesn't recommend routine screening in this age group, many older people are unaware of their HIV-positive status, and studies show that they may benefit more than younger patients from antiretroviral therapy.

A randomized study of such a web-based app called “Life-Steps,” coupled with modules for stress reduction and mood management, suggests it may help HIV-infected people stay on their antiretrovirals.

Besides the AIDS-related cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma, HIV-positive patients are now surviving long enough to face the age-related increased risk of cancer that affects everyone else. How do they fare, compared to the non-HIV-infected population?