Addressing Heart Health in LGBTQ Adults

This is a statement issued by the American Heart Association on LGBTQ heart health. It recognizes that there are disparities among heart disease risk factors for LGBTQ adults, especially lesbian, bisexual, and trans women. This is primarily due to psychosocial life stressors, such as discrimination. The statement highlights the need for continued research in the area of LGBTQ heart health.

Informed by the minority stress and social ecological models, the objectives of this statement were (1) to present a conceptual model to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying cardiovascular health disparities in LGBTQ adults, (2) to identify research gaps, and (3) to provide suggestions for improving cardiovascular research and care of LGBTQ people.

SOURCE: American Heart Association • AUTHOR: Billy A. Caceres, Carl G. Streed Jr, Heather L. Corliss, Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, Phoenix A. Matthews, Monica Mukherjee, Tonia Poteat, Nicole Rosendale, and Leanna M. Ross • LAST UPDATED: October 8, 2020