Cardiovascular Health Across Gender Identities: Life's Essential 8 in the PRIDE Study
Nicole Rosendale1,2, Andrew J Wood1, Billy A Caceres3
1Department of Neurology University of California San Francisco School of Medicine San Francisco CA USA.
Journal of the American Heart Association
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Cardiovascular health varies among sexual and gender minority adults. This study found differences in Life's Essential 8 scores, indicating a need for tailored interventions for diverse groups.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Cardiovascular health is a critical concern for sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults.
- Assessing cardiovascular health across the diverse SGM population is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cardiovascular health of sexual and gender minority adults using the American Heart Association Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score.
- To identify differences in cardiovascular health metrics among various gender identity groups within the SGM population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of data from The PRIDE Study, including 4964 SGM adults.
- Categorization of gender identity into cisgender men, cisgender women, gender-expansive individuals (AFAB/AMAB), transgender men, and transgender women.
- Linear regression used to compare composite and component LE8 scores across gender identity groups.
Main Results:
- Composite LE8 scores varied, with transgender women having the lowest scores.
- Significant differences observed in LE8 component scores, including unfavorable body mass index in cisgender women and gender-expansive individuals (AFAB).
- Unfavorable nicotine scores were prevalent in gender-expansive individuals (AMAB) and transgender men, while unfavorable sleep scores were noted in transgender men and women.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities in cardiovascular health components exist among SGM adults.
- These findings underscore the necessity for developing population-specific interventions to address cardiovascular health in diverse SGM communities.
- Future research should focus on tailored strategies to improve cardiovascular outcomes for all SGM individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...