Glossary

side effect – an unwanted effect from taking a medicine. Sometimes called an adverse event or drug toxicity.

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.

primary HIV infection (PHI) – early infection (usually first six months with after HIV infection). Sometimes called acute infection.

bradycardia is when the heart beats too slowly.

tachycardia refers to when the heart beats too fast.

See: arrhythmia

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome – see: IRIS