Assessing and Addressing Cardiovascular Health in LGBTQ Adults
Published: October 08, 2020
- There is mounting evidence that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) adults experience disparities across several cardiovascular risk factors compared to their heterosexual and/or non-transgender peers.
- Cardiovascular health disparities in LGBTQ people are posited to be driven primarily by exposure to interpersonal and structural stressors (e.g., violence and discriminatory policies) across the lifespan.
- The objectives of this statement are to: 1) present a conceptual model to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying cardiovascular health disparities in LGBTQ adults, 2) identify research gaps, and 3) provide suggestions for improving cardiovascular research and care of LGBTQ people.
Supporting Materials
- Commentary: Improving the Cardiovascular Health of the LGBTQ Community: An Urgent Call to Action by Erin D. Michos, MD, MHS
- Top Things to Know: Assessing and Addressing Cardiovascular Health in LGBTQ Adults
- AHA News: Heart health report aims to bolster research, boost care for LGBTQ patients
- News Release: Discrimination contributes to poorer heart health for LGBTQ adults
Recommended Reading
- 2019 Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
- Secondary Prevention and Risk Reduction Therapy for Patients With Coronary and Other Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: 2011 Update
- 2020 Advancing Healthcare Reform: The American Heart Association’s 2020 Statement of Principles for Adequate, Accessible, and Affordable Health Care
- 2019 New and Emerging Tobacco Products and the Nicotine Endgame: The Role of Robust Regulation and Comprehensive Tobacco Control and Prevention
- 2016 Sleep Duration and Quality: Impact on Lifestyle Behaviors and Cardiometabolic Health
- 2015 Social Determinants of Risk and Outcomes for Cardiovascular Disease
- 2010 Defining and Setting National Goals for Cardiovascular Health Promotion and Disease Reduction