Glossary

portal hypertension – increased blood pressure (hypertension) in the vein carrying blood to the liver.

Atherosclerosis refers to a narrowing or hardening of large and medium sized arteries.

The narrowing is caused by a build-up of plaque, and usually takes many years.

As the walls of the artery thicken, the heart has to work harder to pump the same amount of blood through a narrower gap.

T-cell – a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) that are part of the immune system and that mature in the thymus (T). CD4 cells are also called T-cells.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) – using HIV drugs before sex (and after) to stop the chance of infection.

• UK guide to UK – a 24-page i-Base guide covering PrEP in detail.
  How to use PrEP. Buying PrEP online. Essential monitoring tests. Dosing options including both daily and on-demend dosing. Getting PrEP in the UK. Tips for adherence. Links for further information.
• PrEP in Scotland – New version of the PrEP guide for people in Scotland, where PrEP is available on the NHS.
• Pocket guide to PrEP – easy guide on PrEP and how to use it.
• Buying generic PrEP online. Q&A on buying generic PrEP in the UK.
• Reports and articles about all aspects of PrEP. Includes updates on access to PrEP in the UK and latest research into new drugs.

prophylaxis – a treatment taken before an illness in order to prevent it occuring. Primary prophylaxis is the terming for taking a preventative treatment before ever having had the illness. Secondary prophylaxis is the term for continuing to take a treatment to prevent the illness coming back.