Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe stage of HIV infection. HIV attacks and destroys a type of white blood cell called CD4+ cells, or helper cells. These cells are an important part of the immune system. If HIV is not treated, it will usually get worse over time and cause AIDS.

A person who has HIV is diagnosed with AIDS when they have one or both of the following:

A CD4+ cell count below 200 cells per microliter (mcL) of blood.
Certain infections or cancers that are usually seen only in people who have problems with their immune system. Examples include infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia and cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma.

Treating HIV can help the immune system stay healthy. This may delay or prevent AIDS.