Smoking and HIV ·
Although one study suggested it may increase the risk of getting HIV, smoking in itself has no effect on HIV progression and HIV medication is just as effective in smokers as non-smokers.
However, individuals with HIV who smoke are more at risk than HIV-positive non-smokers from certain infections and AIDS-defining illnesses, particularly those that affect the chest, for example PCP. In addition, they are at greater risk than smokers generally, and non smokers, of developing lung cancer, emphysema and oral thrush.
LDL (Low density lipoproteins) in the blood increases a person’s risk of developing heart disease. Both smoking and some antiretroviral therapy can increase the amount of LDLs in the blood, so smoking regularly whilst on antiretroviral therapy may increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
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