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LGBTQ+ cardiovascular health equity: a brief review
Jason A Bonomo1, Kate Luo2, Jorge A Ramallo3
1Inova Scar Heart and Vascular, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, United States.
Insights
Social drivers of health significantly impact cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. LGBTQ+ individuals experience disproportionate CVD burdens, necessitating research into health disparities and interventions for cardiovascular health equity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities Research
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Social drivers of health (SDOH) like economic stability and community significantly influence CVD outcomes.
- LGBTQ+ individuals face unique risk factors and a higher CVD burden than cisgender, heterosexual populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore existing literature on LGBTQ+ health disparities in cardiovascular disease.
- To examine trends affecting LGBTQ+ cardiovascular health equity.
- To identify strategies promoting cardiovascular health equity for the LGBTQ+ community.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on LGBTQ+ health disparities.
- Analysis of trends impacting LGBTQ+ cardiovascular health equity.
- Identification of interventions for promoting LGBTQ+ cardiovascular health.
Main Results:
- Significant research gap exists regarding the causes of CVD disparities in the LGBTQ+ community.
- SDOH profoundly affect cardiovascular health across diverse populations.
- Targeted interventions are crucial for addressing LGBTQ+ cardiovascular health inequities.
Conclusions:
- Addressing SDOH is critical for reducing CVD disparities.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate CVD risks within the LGBTQ+ population.
- Promoting LGBTQ+ cardiovascular health equity requires multi-level strategies and interventions.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Data shows that social drivers of health (SDOH), including economic stability, racial/cultural identity, and community, have a significant impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender and sexual minority) patients face a variety of unique health risk factors and bear a disproportionate burden of CVD compared to cis-gender, heterosexual peers. There is a paucity of research assessing the etiologies of CVD health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community. Herein, we seek to explore existing literature on LGBTQ+ health disparities with a focus on cardiovascular disease, examine trends impacting LGBTQ+ health equity, and identify strategies and interventions that aim to promote LGBTQ+ cardiovascular health equity on a regional and national level.
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